1924 - 2024
Centenary of the
Geneva Declaration
Read the declaration in the language of your choice*
2024 Geneva Declaration
on the Rights of the Child
On 20 November, 2024,
Commemorating the centennial of the Geneva Declaration, adopted by the League of Nations on 26 September 1924, the first declaration of children’s rights endorsed by an inter-governmental body and therefore affirming the universality of children’s rights,
Recalling the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) adopted 35 years ago (20/11/1989) and since ratified by 196 States Parties (out of 197), many of which also acceding to the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OPSC), the Optional Protocol on children in armed conflict (OPAC), and the Optional Protocol on a communications procedure (OPIC),
Taking note of many significant achievements over the last 100 years with regard to children’s rights and wellbeing,
Alarmed nonetheless by the hundreds of millions of children around the world affected by poverty, violence, and climate change and the many other challenges they face in their lifetime that impact their physical health and mental resilience,
Deeply preoccupied by the plight of the children of today and of future generations unless urgent, comprehensive and collective action is undertaken to protect and promote their rights,
Recognizing the exceptional contributions of all human rights defenders and in particular child human rights defenders,
We exhort each and every State (local and national authorities), organisation -both governmental and non-governmental-, and all concerned persons, children and adults alike, to
● reaffirm their commitment, also in the spirit of international cooperation and solidarity, to respect, protect, and fulfil the rights of all children enshrined in the UNCRC and its Optional protocols without any discrimination,
● endorse the following Renewed Geneva Declaration for Children’s Rights calling for as a matter of priority to commit that all children of today and of future generations:
1. live in conditions of dignity and wellbeing, out of poverty, and with the highest attainable standard of health,
2. grow up in communities no longer affected by armed conflicts,
3. be listened to and have their opinions count in all decisions affecting them, thus recognizing their fundamental right to participate in shaping the communities they live in,
4. flourish in a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment conducive to their survival, development, and to the enjoyment of all their rights,
5. benefit from a safe and empowering experience in the fast-evolving digital environment in which they can conserve their agency and be digitally literate to navigate securely,
6. be protected from all forms of violence (physical, psychological, and sexual) in all settings, including in the home,
7. have their best interests respected in all current and future biotechnological developments,
8. access child-friendly systems of justice and commensurate remedies when their rights are violated,
9. are provided with free and inclusive early, primary, secondary, and vocational education with no discrimination,
10. experience the positive uniqueness of childhood that every person could wish for himself, herself, or themselves.
Declaration on the Rights of the Child
Already committed
There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – so proclaimed Madiba Nelson Mandela. The 1924 Geneva Declaration asserted th... +
Anwarul K. Chowdhury
Ambassador, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and two times chair of the UNICEF Executive Board
Bangladesh
There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – so proclaimed Madiba Nelson Mandela. The 1924 Geneva Declaration asserted that humanity “owes to the Child the best that it has to give.” As the world celebrates its 100th anniversary, I am inspired to sign the Renewed Geneva Declaration and take the vow to uphold and ensure the inherent rights of the child in the best interest of humanity.
The Geneva Declaration continues to be an inspiration for our moral obligation that we owe to children over generations. Enormous challenges to children in today’s world urge us to work harde... +
Mikiko Otani
Member & Former Chair, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; President, Child Rights Connect
Japan
The Geneva Declaration continues to be an inspiration for our moral obligation that we owe to children over generations. Enormous challenges to children in today’s world urge us to work harder for realizing their rights. The centenary of the Geneva Declaration is the moment to renew our commitment as global citizens in solidarity with all including children.
In a time where Human Rights are declining in the view of State parties and individuals , where violence in all forms, insecurity, disasters and man-made declining of environment are threatening ch... +
Renate Winter
Former Chair, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Austria
In a time where Human Rights are declining in the view of State parties and individuals , where violence in all forms, insecurity, disasters and man-made declining of environment are threatening children, I will do what I can to especially fight for equal rights for girls, as traditions and religions prevent their opportunities for a fully self-determined life.
By celebrating and ‘updating’ the Geneva Declaration, we pay tribute to the early child rights champions, and we recommit to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of all children en... +
Ann Skelton
Chair, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
South Africa
By celebrating and ‘updating’ the Geneva Declaration, we pay tribute to the early child rights champions, and we recommit to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of all children enshrined in the UNCRC and its Optional Protocols. We remind ourselves there is still an enormous amount of work to be done.
As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaration, we must all ask ourselves if we have done our utmost to give every Child the best we have to give. Adoption of the Declaration was... +
Yanghee Lee
Former Chair, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
South Korea
As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaration, we must all ask ourselves if we have done our utmost to give every Child the best we have to give. Adoption of the Declaration was a watershed moment for all children: Recognition of the human rights of every child. And that the society had an obligation to protect, promote, and provide ample circumstances and opportunities for every child to realize their inherent basic human rights here and now. We must all recommit our pledge to fulfill what we had promised 100 years ago to every child in the present and for future generations.
It is very important at this moment in time to recommit to the re... +
Christina Nomdo
Western Cape Commissioner for Children
South Africa
It is very important at this moment in time to recommit to the realisation of child rights. Not only because we commemorate the global commitment made 100 years ago, but because child rights realisation is still an ideal for many children across the world. Times have changed, requiring us all to reflect on how we evolve our thinking on child rights. But at the same time, the fundamentals have not shifted significantly – we still require child rights champions to promote and protect child rights.
One Hundred Years of Working for Children’s Rights. As we commemorate the first 100 years since the Geneva Declaration, it is good to remember we are part of a long chain of advocates; our wo... +
Amihan V. Abueva
Regional Executive Director, Child Rights Coalition Asia
Philippines
One Hundred Years of Working for Children’s Rights. As we commemorate the first 100 years since the Geneva Declaration, it is good to remember we are part of a long chain of advocates; our work to defend children’s rights is never completely done but every effort counts, there will be new leaders who will continue to work with children to face new challenges worldwide.
A l’heure où les crises se succèdent, comme les impacts de la pandémie, l’augmentation des inégalités, les dérèglements climatiques, les guerres, il est plus que jamais nécessai... +
Christina Kitsos
Maire de la Ville de Genève
Switzerland
A l’heure où les crises se succèdent, comme les impacts de la pandémie, l’augmentation des inégalités, les dérèglements climatiques, les guerres, il est plus que jamais nécessaire de considérer les enfants comme de véritables actrices et acteurs engagé.e.s, d’écouter leurs propositions et leurs révoltes pour avancer en faveur de la justice et de la paix, pour un monde ouvert et solidaire.
Today, by celebrating the 2024 Geneva Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold the rights of all children. Protecting children’s rights to safety, education, and dignity is not just ... +
Virginia Gamba
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
Argentina
Today, by celebrating the 2024 Geneva Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold the rights of all children. Protecting children’s rights to safety, education, and dignity is not just a moral duty but an imperative. This is crucial for their future and for building lasting peace.
« We are often told that our aims are impossible - that there has always been child suffering & always will be. We know. It's impossible only if we make it so. It's impossible only if we refuse to attempt it. »
EGLANTYNE JEBB
2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child
Stand up for Children's Rights!
Every signature counts, yours more than any other.
If you do not sign the Declaration, it is as if you have chosen not to make your voice heard.