Advocate for children's rights

We stand up for children and help to inform communities and decision-makers about children's rights. We encourage children to actively take part in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and, when possible, speak up for themselves and be heard.

 

What are children's rights?

Children’s rights are laid out in international, regional and national frameworks that establish the fundamental rights each child has. Children in alternative care are particularly vulnerable. We take action to amplify their voices and bring them to the forefront of policy and decision-making, working with states and partners to help ensure that children who have lost parental care or risk losing it are protected, cared for and empowered and that their rights are respected.

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Sustainable future for children

SOS Children's Villages works to help build a sustainable future for all children. We put children and young people at the centre of our actions to support the Sustainable Development Goals, recognising that every single child has a right to be included in global efforts to make sustainable development a reality.
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Youth participation

Young people have a right to express their opinion and to be listened to. They play a vital role in shaping the future. We give young people the opportunity to speak out and communicate with decision-makers and communities, and encourage them to be active participants in decisions affecting their own lives.
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Publications

More about the policies, positions and research guiding our efforts to ensure a sustainable future for all children.

Latest news

Find out more about how we advocate for and with young people to ensure that their rights are respected.

Initiatives with partners

We join forces with other recognised stakeholders who work to protect and promote child rights. Through working together and finding partnerships we create the greatest possible impact on the lives of children and young people.

Promoting standards of care

We promote and ensure quality alternative care. We work with governments, care professionals and partners to help ensure that children's rights are fulfilled and every child has the best, most suitable care for their individual situation.

Prepare for leaving care

We work with partners to develop and deliver training for care professionals and elaborate policy guidelines to help ensure that child protection systems adequately support young people leaving alternative care.

Training care professionals

The European Commission awarded SOS Children’s Villages a grant to help care professionals in eight countries build their capacity to apply a child rights-based approach to their daily work with children.

Quality4Children Standards

Safe Places, Thriving Children

In this project, SOS Children’s Villages works with partners to provide trainings to care professionals and child protection organisations to help ensure that children and young adults affected by trauma receive the necessary support.