The mid-term review conference of the 4th Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027) has started in Strasbourg. Organised under the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, the two-day event will reflect on the achievements, address emerging challenges and recalibrate efforts to ensure that the rights of all children are upheld, empowering them to thrive and realise their full potential. Interactive sessions focus on the strategy's core objectives: freedom from violence; equal opportunities and social inclusion; access to and safe use of technologies; child-friendly justice; giving a voice to every child, as well as children's rights in crisis and emergency situations.
In his opening speech, the Minister of Education, Children and Youth of Luxembourg, Claude Meisch remarked, "Children's rights are universal and matter to us all. To advance these rights, we need to share our knowledge and experiences across member States. The Council of Europe's expertise and commitment are essential in guiding our policies."
Reaffirming unwavering commitment of the Council of Europe to the core objectives of the Strategy, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Marja Ruotanen, noted that the conference is meant to be "a step towards building a world where children's rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their futures are secured."
The event brings together over 200 representatives of national governments, parliaments, international organisations, civil society, academia, child and youth delegates who will share their diverse perspectives, expertise and good practices, and reaffirm their collective commitment to the Strategy's objectives and strengthening co-operation for a safer, more inclusive and child-friendly Europe.
