EU Election candidates are invited to sign the Child Rights Manifesto and form a new Intergroup on Children’s Rights.

The 23 child rights organisations that form the #VoteforChildren coalition launched on 21 March a campaign to ask candidates to secure and advance children’s rights by:

• Mainstreaming and protecting children’s rights
• Breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality by investing in children
• Engaging with children

As part of the campaign, the coalition produced a Manifesto in advance of the upcoming EU Elections on 6 to 9 June 2024 outlining concrete measures to address the challenges faced by children. From education to mental health, from bullying to violence prevention as well as climate and environmental degradation, the manifesto advocates for policies that prioritise children’s well-being. It’s a call to action—a commitment to ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and their rights protected at all levels of decision-making.

The campaign hopes to see a new Intergroup on Children’s Rights being formed after the elections. The Intergroup is a formal body in the European Parliament that mainstreams children’s rights and assesses the impact of legislative and non-legislative work on children. It is a cross-party, group of committed members of the EU Parliament, who work with child-focused organisations to keep children’s rights on top of the EU agenda.

During the campaign launch at the European Parliament in Brussels on 21 March 2024 the #EuropeKidsWant survey results were also unveiled. Over 9,200 children from diverse backgrounds and across Europe were consulted and shared their concerns and aspirations. 80% of children worry about global conflicts, half of them feel unsafe online, 70% of children are worried or very worried about the impacts of climate change.while 36% of LGBTQI+ children reported insecurity within their own homes. Under each survey topic, there are some key recommendations for EU policymakers. Read the full report to know more about what children want and to read recommendations for the new Members of the European Parliament and European Commission leadership.

The children’s ask is clear: they want the EU to act now to protect their present and build a brighter future!
Sign the Manifesto now and commit to becoming a Child Rights Champion in your next mandate