All children have equal rights to care and protection, and to live a healthy life free from abuse and harm. SOS Children’s Villages defends and promotes these rights for all children on a global, regional, and national level. We work with partners to improve laws, policies and practices so that each child and young person, and their families receive the care and support they need. By advocating to uphold their rights, all children can become their strongest selves.
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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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. Learn more
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. Learn more
More about the policies, positions and research guiding our efforts to ensure a sustainable future for all children.
Find out more about how we advocate for and with young people to ensure that their rights are respected.
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.
Guidelines on Children's Reintegration All children count but not all children are counted Arabic | English | French | Russian | Spanish Towards the end of child poverty
This project aims to strengthen children’s rights in the responses to crisis situations by empowering children and young people to participate meaningfully in public decision-making.
We work 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.
Through this project, SOS Children’s Villages aims to enable children, young people and care professionals to prevent and respond to peer violence amongst children and young people.