On Universal Children's Day, Save the Children Kosova/o launched the Young Voices 2024 report, amplifying the voices of 1,071 children from 16 municipalities across Kosovo. Developed in collaboration with the Ombudsperson Institution, the survey delved into key issues affecting children, including education, safety, non-discrimination, mental health, and public participation. The findings highlight that 83% of children want more opportunities to influence decisions, while 91% believe municipalities should invest more in public spaces for young people.

The report’s launch event featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Mr. Jonas Westerlund, Swedish Ambassador to Kosovo, and Mr. Naim Qelaj, Ombudsperson of Kosovo. The findings spurred a panel discussion with Mr. Liburn Aliu, Minister of Environment, and Mr. Arsim Ademi, Deputy Minister of Education, who emphasized the importance of turning insights into action and fostering children’s participation in decision-making.

Reflecting the principles of Article 12 of the UNCRC, the report underscores the need to ensure children’s voices shape the policies that affect them. While progress has been made, the findings call for greater investment in platforms that allow children to express their views and influence change.

The Young Voices 2024 report is a powerful reminder that children’s ideas and solutions matter. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to build a society where every child feels heard, valued, and empowered to shape the future. 

 

World Children’s Day: A Call to Action for Children’s Rights

 

Today, on World Children’s Day, children in Kosovo raised their voices, demanding greater inclusion in decisions that shape their lives. This message resonates strongly with the findings of the Young Voices survey, which emphasizes the urgent need for more opportunities for children to participate and be heard.

During the latest meeting of the Interministerial Committee on Children's Rights, chaired by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, these calls were front and center. Organizations like Save the Children joined forces with the child-led group Respect Our Rights (ROR) and Asambleja e Fëmijëve të Kryeqytetit – Prishtinë, ensuring that children’s voices were amplified at the highest levels of government.

As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, penned by Save the Children’s founder Eglantyne Jebb, we reflect on the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. Despite a century of advocacy, the rights of millions of children worldwide are still under threat.

Save the Children reaffirms its commitment to championing every child’s right to be seen, heard, and respected. By empowering children to lead the conversation, we can build a world where their voices shape a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Celebrating 35 Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

 

This World Children’s Day, we mark the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a groundbreaking international treaty that has transformed the global conversation on children’s rights. It’s a moment to celebrate progress, reflect on challenges, and recommit to ensuring every child’s voice is heard and valued.

As part of the celebrations, Rea, a dedicated representative of Respect Our Rights (ROR), delivered a poignant address at the European Parliament during an event organized by the Children’s Rights Action Group (CRAG). Speaking on behalf of children in Kosovo, Rea shed light on a critical issue: children’s voices are too often overlooked when they should be shaping the decisions that affect their lives. Her powerful words served as a reminder that true progress requires prioritizing the perspectives and needs of the youngest members of society.

Rea’s advocacy highlights the importance of platforms like the European Parliament that empower children to speak up and demand action. This event also underscored the collective responsibility of governments, organizations, and communities to create an environment where children are not only seen but also heard and respected as equal stakeholders in shaping their futures.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary of the UNCRC, let us take concrete steps to honor its principles. Whether through increased participation opportunities, better policies, or greater investments in children’s well-being, we must strive to ensure that children’s voices are central to every decision that impacts them. Together, we can create a world where children are not just beneficiaries of change but active contributors to it.