Eurochild convention marks 20 years of fighting for child rights

Child poverty led the agenda at the annual convention of Eurochild, the European Union’s leading child rights umbrella organisation.

Members were joined at this important event in Malta by over 160 stakeholders, including representatives from the United Nations, European Commission and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.

Fostering Rights-Based Solution to Tackle Child Poverty and Social Exclusion across Europe was the title of the event, co-hosted by Eurochild and the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.

Sabine Saliba, Secretary General of Eurochild, said: “In these challenging times, the rise of far-right movements in Europe, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the disparate treatment of children in these regions underscore the work ahead. We must amplify our voices, advocate for just policies, and ensure no child is left behind.”

A series of thought-provoking workshops were a key part of the event, and these highlighted, added Saliba, ‘the transformative power of early childhood development and the need for systemic reforms to address structural inequalities’.

“Together we can make a difference,” she added.

Eurochild said the convention also coincided the 20-year anniversary of its formation, and it marked this milestone with the publication of a summary of its work, showcasing how it has supported the advancement of children’s rights ‘throughout emerging issues and emergencies’.

Eurochild thanked its members for their role over the past two decades in the exchange of knowledge, for giving children a voice and influencing European governments in prioritising the needs of children and their families.

“Following the history of Eurochild is following the history of children’s rights in Europe, from the economic crisis, the pandemic, wars and the protection of children in migration,” it said.

“Eurochild has contributed remarkably in the fight against child poverty, against institutionalisation and in favour of family based care and the prioritisation of early childhood development in public policies and funding.”

Its work would continue ‘to strive for a society where all children and young people grow up happy, healthy, confident and respected as individuals in their own right.”

Eurochild now has around 200 members spanning 40 countries – click here for more on the organisation.