1924 - 2024
A renewed
commitment to
children's rights
Advocate for Children’s Rights
2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child
A Century of Children’s Rights is worth a celebration! Since the 1924 Geneva Declaration, substantial progress has been made with regard to the well-being and protection of children, notably in the health and education sectors. Yet, it’s profoundly troubling that in 2024, these advances are eclipsed by the violence affecting children — a child dies every five minutes according to United Nations statistics, — and by emerging challenges such as digitization and the climate crisis.
It is high time to update the “Geneva Declaration” and mobilize collective consciousness around a renewed commitment to children’s rights: the 2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child.
2024 Geneva 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 work of Eglantyne Jebb and Janusz Korczak, along with other c... +
Maria Herczog
President, Missing Children Europe; Former Member, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Hungary
The work of Eglantyne Jebb and Janusz Korczak, along with other champions of children’s rights 100 years ago, has not lost its relevance. It’s incredible how accurately they identified the most important issues that have only recently been associated with many others. Today, we cannot be satisfied with the results we have achieved so far, despite the progress made. That is why we must continue what they started and emphasize that we are still far from complete accomplishment.
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.
Today, we celebrate the inspiring vision of the Geneva Declaratio... +
Marta Santos Pais
Former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children
Portugal
Today, we celebrate the inspiring vision of the Geneva Declaration, adopted a century ago, and renew our unwavering commitment to the safeguard of the human rights of every child. Investing in children’s rights will bring peace and human progress to the world at large.
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.
This renewed declaration is a reminder of our duty to ensure that children are always regarded as equal rights holders and active citizens participating in society, having their voices heard and vi... +
Joan Nyanyuki
Executive Director African Child Policy Forum
Kenya
This renewed declaration is a reminder of our duty to ensure that children are always regarded as equal rights holders and active citizens participating in society, having their voices heard and views considered. (…) We should not allow ourselves to forget that the realization of the rights and wellbeing of children is not altruism or charity, but justice and obligation.
Il y a cent ans, Eglantyne Jebb a déclenché un mouvement universel : celui des droits de l’enfant ! Sa Déclaration, officialisée par la Société des Nations, symbolise la révolution du statut ... +
Jean Zermatten
Ancien président, Comité des droits de l'enfant de l'ONU
Suisse
Il y a cent ans, Eglantyne Jebb a déclenché un mouvement universel : celui des droits de l’enfant ! Sa Déclaration, officialisée par la Société des Nations, symbolise la révolution du statut de l’enfant, devenu personne, qui ne doit pas seulement être protégé et éduqué, mais qui détient ses propres droits ! Saura-t-on assez la remercier ?
The Declaration of Geneva has provided the foundation for international children’s rights. In today’s world where children face some many challenges and crises, we need to remind oursel... +
Ton Liefaard
Professor, UNICEF Chair in Children's Rights, Leiden University
Netherlands
The Declaration of Geneva has provided the foundation for international children’s rights. In today’s world where children face some many challenges and crises, we need to remind ourselves of the very core of that foundation: Mankind owes to children the best it has to give and all children of today and of future generations are entitled to that.
In the early 1920s in Geneva, Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of Save the Children, was coordinating relief aid reaching vulnerable children across Europe in the aftermath of the First World War. Howev... +
Inger Ashing
Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children International
Sweden
In the early 1920s in Geneva, Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of Save the Children, was coordinating relief aid reaching vulnerable children across Europe in the aftermath of the First World War. However, she was of the opinion that children should not only be considered as recipients of charitable aid, but that children have their own agency and rights. That’s the reason why she developed the Geneva Declaration on Children’s Rights. 100 years later, Save the Children continues every day to work alongside children and promote their rights, inspired by Eglantyne Jebb’s vision.
After 100 years of progress, we are observing a breaking point of children’s rights. An increasing number of children suffer in the crossfire of wars, lose ... +
Elina Pekkarinen
Ombudsman for Children in Finland; Chair of European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC)
Finland
After 100 years of progress, we are observing a breaking point of children’s rights. An increasing number of children suffer in the crossfire of wars, lose their living environments, and fall out of school. Right now, we must defend children’s rights together, and I am engaged to join this movement.
En ces temps incertains, il faut rappeler que, en plus du droit humanitaire, Genève est aussi le berceau des droits de l’enfant. Alors que tous deux s... +
Micheline Calmy-Rey
Ancienne Présidente de la Confédération
Suisse
En ces temps incertains, il faut rappeler que, en plus du droit humanitaire, Genève est aussi le berceau des droits de l’enfant. Alors que tous deux sont bafoués à travers le monde, un nouveau souffle provenant de Genève ne sera jamais de trop!
100 years after the Geneva Declaration, digital technologies are transforming children’s lives for better and worse. Today’s powerful ac... +
Sonia Livingstone
Director of the Digital Futures for Children centre, London School of Economics and Political Science
United Kingdom
100 years after the Geneva Declaration, digital technologies are transforming children’s lives for better and worse. Today’s powerful actors – the digital innovators – must protect the full rights of children impacted by the digital environment. The global effort to assert, promote and embed children’s rights in national laws, policies and practices remains vital. I therefore greatly welcome this renewal of the Geneva Declaration, for today’s generation of powerful actors is greatly in need of its message.
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.
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.
The 2024 Declaration on the Rights of the Child is a testament to our shared r... +
Mama Fatima Singhateh
UN Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children
Gambia
The 2024 Declaration on the Rights of the Child is a testament to our shared responsibilities, values and commitments to protect children’s rights and to ensure that they are given the space to enjoy their childhood and to develop and thrive in safety and free from fear everywhere they are – offline and online.
As we commemorate the centennial of the Geneva Declaration and affirm the universality of children’s rights, it is our duty to overcome the challenges that we face in translating these ideals into ... +
Alexandra Souza Martins
Leader, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime END Violence Against Children Team
Brasil
As we commemorate the centennial of the Geneva Declaration and affirm the universality of children’s rights, it is our duty to overcome the challenges that we face in translating these ideals into action. We must draw deeply from our collective wisdom and resolve as only through the respect, protection and fulfilment of child rights can we ensure that all children get the best that humanity has to offer.
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.
Our 2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child is an aspirational call to mobilize and to truly put children at the centre of our collective human concern. But vision without action is a da... +
Philip D. Jaffé
Professor; Member, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Switzerland
Our 2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child is an aspirational call to mobilize and to truly put children at the centre of our collective human concern. But vision without action is a daydream, we must now bend political will into concrete steps fulfilling the rights of all children.
Celebramos 100 años de la 1ra declaración de derechos del niño en un momento crítico para la humanidad y particularmente para los niños y niñas en el mundo.
Que estos 100 años nos reafirmen e... +
Luis Pedernera
Former Chair, Current Member, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Uruguay
Celebramos 100 años de la 1ra declaración de derechos del niño en un momento crítico para la humanidad y particularmente para los niños y niñas en el mundo.
Que estos 100 años nos reafirmen el compromiso con la paz entre los pueblos, sólo así podremos construir sociedades respetuosas con los derechos humanos de todos en especial de los niños y niñas.
While we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaratio... +
Gehad Madi
UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants; Former Member, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Egypt
While we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaration, we are determined to strengthen our commitment to the promotion and protection of children’s rights around the globe, and to bring the UN Convention on the rights of the Child and its optional protocols to the fore front of the world attention.
As we commemorate the centennial of the Geneva Declaration and affirm the universality of children’s rights, it is our duty to overcome the challenges that we face in translating these ideals into ... +
Najat Maalla M’jid
UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children
Morocco
As we commemorate the centennial of the Geneva Declaration and affirm the universality of children’s rights, it is our duty to overcome the challenges that we face in translating these ideals into action. We must draw deeply from our collective wisdom and resolve as only through the respect, protection and fulfilment of child rights can we ensure that all children get the best that humanity has to offer.
Les profondes disparités entre le Nord et le Sud global menacent gravement l’avenir des enfants, notamment en matière de santé, d’éducation, d’alimentation et d’accès à internet. Ces enjeux cruciau... +
Koumbou Bolly Barry
Ancienne Rapporteuse Spéciale des Nations-Unies sur le droit à l'éducation, Ancienne Ministre de l'Éducation Nationale et de l'Alphabétisation
Burkina Faso
Les profondes disparités entre le Nord et le Sud global menacent gravement l’avenir des enfants, notamment en matière de santé, d’éducation, d’alimentation et d’accès à internet. Ces enjeux cruciaux nécessitent une vigilance accrue. Signez et diffusez largement cette Déclaration, car elle représente un engagement fort pour l’avenir de notre humanité et pour l’Histoire.
The Geneva Declaration put a foundation of not protecting childre... +
Jennifer Kaberi
Founder and CEO, Mtoto News
Kenya
The Geneva Declaration put a foundation of not protecting children but recognising them as human. As we celebrate the 100 years of the Declaration we need to think on how we can build the next floor of the building from the UNCRC, in a world where children are faced with climate change and digital expansion. Thank you Jebb.
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.
Les droits de l’enfant sont plus que jamais menacés et bafoués, à la vue de tous. Je suis sidérée et indignée. Cette nouvelle déclaration nous rappelle à l’... +
Beata Godenzi
Sécretaire générale, Enfants du Monde
Suisse
Les droits de l’enfant sont plus que jamais menacés et bafoués, à la vue de tous. Je suis sidérée et indignée. Cette nouvelle déclaration nous rappelle à l’essentiel et renouvelle notre engagement pour protéger les enfants qui sont les graines d’espoir d’un futur plus solidaire. Il y a urgence : signons vite la Déclaration 2024 de Genève et agissons.
This year we celebrate the Centenary of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which affirmed for the first time the existence of rights specifi... +
Tatiana Valovaya
Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
Russia
This year we celebrate the Centenary of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which affirmed for the first time the existence of rights specific to children, and the responsibility of adults towards them. While marking this milestone, let us work together towards a world where children can live in safety, be free from fear and need, go to school, stay healthy and happy, and where every child can unleash its full potential.
Déjà un siècle et encore tant à faire. Réaffirmer la volonté de respecter les droits de l’enfant doit interpeler chacun d’entre nous. Chaque adulte peut et ... +
Myriam Caranzano
Dr.med. ASPI e ISPCAN
Suisse
Déjà un siècle et encore tant à faire. Réaffirmer la volonté de respecter les droits de l’enfant doit interpeler chacun d’entre nous. Chaque adulte peut et doit contribuer à les mettre en pratique, où qu’il soit. Il n’y a pas d’excuse. C’est la responsabilité de chacun.
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.
Rewriting the Geneva Declaration is an important step in reaffirming that children everywhere are the actors of tomorrow. This Declaration should be a tool to enable them to amplify their voice, to... +
David Valdivia
General Secretary ad interim, Terre des Hommes Suisse
Switzerland
Rewriting the Geneva Declaration is an important step in reaffirming that children everywhere are the actors of tomorrow. This Declaration should be a tool to enable them to amplify their voice, to give them a voice, to offer them the means to build a fairer and more united future.
100 years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of the Child, we celebrate significant advances for many children around the world. We also recommit to addressing the threats and obst... +
Jo Becker
Children's Rights Advocacy Director, Human Rights Watch
United States of America
100 years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of the Child, we celebrate significant advances for many children around the world. We also recommit to addressing the threats and obstacles that continue to rob children of their rights. As we move into a new century of advocacy, our child rights community is more important than ever.
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.
"I believe we should claim certain rights for children
and labour for their universal recognition (...)".
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.
Make your voice heard by signing the Declaration!
Explore the list
of signatories
Dignitaries
Rinchen Chopel - Vice-Chair, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child- Virginia Gamba - Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
- Inger Ashing - Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children International
- David Valdivia - General Secretary ad interim, Terre des Hommes Suisse
- Micheline Calmy-Rey - Ancienne Présidente de la Confédération
- Mama Fatima Singhateh - UN Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children
- Yanghee Lee - Former Chair, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Prominent endorsers
- Cédric Bonnébault - Délégué à la jeunesse - canton du Valais, Etat du Valais - Service cantonal de la jeunesse
- Marguerite Hunter Blair - CEO, Play Scotland
- Sara Oviedo - Yes, Ex vice presidenta Comité Derechos del. I
- Andreas Jud - Prof. Dr., University of Ulm; Zurich University of Applied Sciences
- Lianne Minassian - Co-Director, Child Rights International Network
- Felix Kirchmeieir - Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform
- LAFI WAOGA JOEL SANDWIDI - Spécialiste santé mentale et soutien psychosocial, Croix rouge burkinabe
All signatories
- Mariana Citrinovitz - Protection Delegate, ICRC
- Oana Mihai - Humanitarian Director, SCI DRC ,
- Leyla SARIKAYA - Étudiante du MIDE, Mide
- Madeleine Ramel - ,
- Marie-Jo Grandgirard - ,
- Ana Luísa Orlandi Maryssael de Campos - Research Assistant, Leiden University
- Ivana Goretta - Directrice, Action Solidaire pour l'Education et le Développement ASED
Enfants
- Aahil, 10 years, India
- Aarju ahmad, 12 years, India
- Aarshi, 9 years, India
- Aasgar, 11 years, India
- Aba, 8 years, Mali
- Abdul, 8 years, India
- AbdulSamad Umoru, 12 years, Nigeria
- Afreen, 13 years, India
- Afrin, 12 years, India
- Aisha, 10 years, Nigeria
- Aissata, 16 years, Mali
- Akshar, 15 years, India
From a Visionary’s Inspiration to Global Action
Celebrating 100 Years of the Children's Rights Declaration
The spirit of Geneva, imbued with values of humanism and social justice, continues to inspire today, urging us all to celebrate a century of children’s rights.
"[We are] often told that our aims are impossible. (...)
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.
Make your voice heard by signing the Declaration!