1924 - 2024
Centenary of the
Geneva Declaration
The 1924 Geneva Declaration and Its Author, Eglantyne Jebb
How different the world could be, Jebb thought, if all individual children, everywhere, were party to the same universal human rights. Within days, she had drafted a simple statement of children’s human rights, which she then shepherded through the League of Nations. In 1924, after considerable debate, Jebb’s pioneering statement was adopted as the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child. It has since evolved into the UN Convention, the most universally accepted legally binding human rights instrument in history. For more information, see the excerpt written by C. Mulley on the City of Geneva’s page.
Geneva: the Undisputed Global Hub for Children’s Rights
Geneva, the “City of Children’s Rights”
Historically, Geneva has been inextricably linked to the concept of childhood ever since Jean-Jacques Rousseau portrayed children as distinct persons, a groundbreaking idea shared in his seminal book Emile, or On Education (1762). Rousseau was followed by illustrious Geneva child specialist including Edouard Claparède, a pioneer in educational pedagogy; Jean Piaget, the founder of child development psychology; and Julian de Ajuriaguerra, a trailblazer in child psychiatry. Also, notably, Eglantyne Jebb, a British national, authored the first Declaration of the Rights of the Child, known as the 1924 Geneva Declaration, with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the University of Geneva. The Declaration under the auspices of the League of Nations. The roster of influential figures dedicated to this cause continues to grow to this day.
Today, Geneva hosts the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. This Committee oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and welcomes delegations from all countries to report on advancements in children’s rights. In parallel, a myriad of non-governmental organizations focused on childhood issues, both large and small, operate out of Geneva to ensure that
nations respect, promote, protect, and realize children’s rights.
“All wars, whether just or unjust,
disastrous or victorious, are waged against the child.”
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!
A Century of Progress for Children’s Rights
From Charitable Protection to Children's Rights
The social and political movement advocating for children’s rights started over a century ago. For an insightful historical analysis, you are invited to read Dr. Philip Veerman’s article, “One Century of Children’s Rights: a Legacy and an International Commitment that Stand the Test Of Time.” This article was published in 2024 by the Luxembourg Ombudsman for Children and Youth.
Children’s Perspectives on their Rights
100 years later, what do children think about their rights?
Children from Switzerland were invited by the organization Enfants du Monde to contemplate their rights and propose ways to enhance their enforcement.
Explore their recommendations!
2024 Geneva Declaration
A Global Commitment to
Children's Rights
The 2024 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child has received widespread support from civil society organizations and children. Discover the Declaration’s creative endorsement by children’s rights advocates from Asia.
"[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!