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Children’s Human Rights

The human rights of children are protected under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), one of the nine core UN human rights treaties. By ratifying the Convention states agree that public bodies should consider the best interests of the child when doing anything that affects children.

The CRC protects the rights of children in all areas of their life, including their rights to:

  • express their views freely and be heard in legal proceedings that affect them
  • life, survival and development
  • right to a name and nationality, freedom of expression and access to information about them
  • privacy and family life
  • freedom from violence, abuse and neglect
  • protection of child refugees
  • health
  • social security
  • an adequate standard of living
  • education, leisure, culture and the arts
  • freedom from economic and sexual exploitation, and
  • be treated with dignity and respect within the criminal justice system.

The full text of CRC can be found on the UN website.

The CRC is a legally binding document. The Committee for the Rights of the Child, a UN body of 18 independent experts on child rights from around the world, monitors the implementation of the CRC by its States parties. Every five years the committee reports on their work on children’s rights. During the reporting cycle, the committee talks to each state so they can accurately assess children’s rights in that country.

Some of the non-governmental human rights organizations and network work explicitly on Children’s Human Rights:

  • Save the Children (“Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.”)
  • Child Rights International Network (“A world where children’s rights are recognised, respected and enforced, and where every rights violation has a remedy.”)
  • Defence for Children International (“To act as a focal point and initiator for present and future efforts designed, at local, national, regional and international level, to advance, protect and defend children’s rights in all fields, especially those set out in international instruments, conventions and declarations.”)

Certified Online Courses

Renowned universities around the world offer certified online courses on Children’s Human Rights. These courses are hosted through the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) providers edX, Coursera, FutureLearn and others. In most cases the course contents are available for free. To obtain a verified certificate participants have to pay a small fee that normally amounts to $49. Prices can vary depending on provider and offering institution. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. If there is no explicit start date mentioned on the course provider page you can start the course any time it suits you.

Bachelor Degrees

Wilfrid Laurier University offers a BA in Youth & Children’s Studies. Students study the field with a multidisciplinary approach, taking courses in history, psychology, health, children’s rights, culture, and more. This four-year program also provides students with research and analytical skills, as well as hands on experience through a community service-learning course. Students who meet specific requirements can have a guaranteed space in the Bachelor of Education program, if they choose to go into teaching and education. Others will be prepared for a variety of careers dealing with children and youth issues.

Carleton University offers a BA in Child Studies. This three-year program prepares students for careers in areas such as Early Childhood Education and beyond, with a widened curriculum to incorporate various topics relating to child rights, policy, and practice. Courses offer a social, analytical, psychological, and global approach to issues relating to children and youth. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in education, humanitarian organizations, community organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and more.

York University offers a BA in Human Rights & Equity Studies. This four-year program offers courses covering issues surrounding basic rights, including physical, emotional, and economic security, education, health, war, and more. In relation to children, the program has specific courses on children’s rights, justice for children, education, and more. Students can choose to take courses that will specifically train them for a job as a women and children’s rights officer, working with in the public and private sectors, with humanitarian organizations, academic institutions, or more.

Leeds Trinity University offers a BA in Working with Children, Young People and Families. This is a three-year program that offers students a comprehensive look at issues relating to children, youth, and families, including child rights, social justice topics, protection of children, and more. Students also have the opportunity to go through two field placement and have multiple chances for site visits to service organizations to get first hand experience. Classes are taught by experts who have both academic and field experience in child/family work. Upon graduation, students will be highly qualified for either graduate work or entry-level work in the field of children and families.

National University of Ireland Galway offers a BA in Children’s Studies. This is a four-year degree covers a wide range of topics relating to children and youth, including history, sociology, psychology, law, literature, human rights, and more. Students also get practical experience through field placements and research projects. Students who study a foreign language with this degree have opportunities to study and do their work placements abroad. This degree prepares students for advanced degree programs, as well as work in social services, community organizations, education, therapy, international organizations, and more.

Malmo University offers a BA in Human Rights. This three- year degree teaches about the history and importance of human rights, as well as the implementation of human rights laws and practices. Students look at human rights through the perspectives of law, politics, and philosophy. Human rights topics cover a range of issues, including children’s rights. This program prepares graduates for work in various sectors including law, politics, ethics, graduate studies, private companies, international organizations, and more.

Eastern Washington University offers a four-year BA in Children’s Studies. This program will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills for working with children and youth. Students will study statistics, research methods, children’s rights and laws, and more. This degree will prepare students for a variety of careers working with children and youth, including social service agencies, legal organizations, private companies, education, academic institutions, and more.

Saint Thomas University offers a BA in Human Rights. This four-year degree provides students with foundational knowledge in human rights, through the perspective of law, philosophy, and politics. The program covers a variety of human rights issues, including topics relating to children’s rights. This is a double major program, and students can move into a graduate degree in a variety of topics. Graduates will be prepared for careers in humanitarian work, law, social work, education, journalism, and more.

National University of Ireland Galway offers a four-year BA in Child, Youth and Family: Policy and Practice. The program provides students with a multidisciplinary perspective, covering policy, economics, psychology, arts, technology, law, politics, and sociology. Students also participate in an eight-month work placement, as well as various other firsthand experiences to provide them with skills and experience. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in community services, social work, public administration, education, international organizations, research, and more.

The University of Derby offers a three-year BA in Child and Youth Studies. This program seeks to help students gain the understanding and skills to work with children and youth, getting hands-on experience and gathering relevant knowledge. Students take courses in research methods, children’s rights, social policy, health, behavior, and more. They also gain opportunities through field placements and study abroad programs. This program prepares its students for postgraduate studies or careers with social service agencies, community organizations, international organizations, private companies, and more.

York University offers a BA in Children’s Studies. This four-year program helps students gain experience, knowledge, and skills to work with children in a global context. In addition to taking courses in subjects like ethics, culture, sociology, and psychology, they also participate in community-based programs and advocacy work to gain first-hand experience in the field. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue a variety of careers, including law, social work, education, international development, and counseling.

Would you like to add your Bachelor Program here? Contact us!

Master Degrees

Linkoping University offers a one- or two-year M.Sc. in Child Studies. The program teaches students theory and method in policies and practices regarding children and families, as well as historical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives on children and childhood. Students take courses on research methods, health, gender, education, and more, including a master’s thesis. Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of options, including a doctoral degree or careers in social work, education, politics, research, private companies, non-governmental organizations, and government.

Leiden University has a one-year LL.M. in Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights. This program provides students with international, regional, and national perspectives on a variety of children’s rights issues, including migration, juvenile justice, technology, and more. Courses take theoretical, legal, and practical approaches to these issues, and students complete the program with a thesis. For hands-on experience, students have opportunities to take a study trip to Geneva, various class field trips to relevant organizations, and monthly meetings that cover topical issues. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work with human rights organizations, law firms, government organizations, nongovernment organizations, and other relevant agencies.

King’s College London offers a one-year M.A.  in Child Studies. This program is designed to help students gain a multidisciplinary perspective on issues relating to children and youth. Courses cover a variety of topics including children’s rights, child protection, health, and global childhoods. Students also participate in research projects and an internship. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings related to children and youth, such as social work, education, health, law, and more.

Queen’s University Belfast offers a one-year M.Sc. in Children’s Rights. This program provides students with knowledge and skills in the areas of children’s rights and research with children. Courses cover foundational topics, as well as education, law, social work, and more. Graduates of this program can pursue doctoral degrees, as well as careers in social work, education, the public sector, human service organizations, and other jobs working with children.

King’s College London offers a one-year M.A. in International Child Studies. This degree takes a multidisciplinary approach to global issues surrounding children, including poverty, human trafficking, human rights, psychology, health, protection, and education. Students also gain skills in research methods and participate in an internship for first-hand experience. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue careers with international organizations, social service organizations, government, law firms, and more.

Loyola University Chicago has a one-year LL.M. in Child and Family Law. This law program aims to give students a comprehensive look at issues relating to child/family law including domestic relations, education, children’s rights, and human trafficking. Students also form their study path based on personal interests, completing their work with a thesis/capstone project. Program graduates will be prepared for careers in law, humanitarian work, government, international organizations, and other related agencies dealing with child law.

University College Dublin offers a one-year M.Sc. in Children and Youth Studies. This is an interdisciplinary program, teaching research, policy, and practice relating to children and youth. Courses cover issues such as law, adolescent development, sociology, education, and other relevant topics. This program prepares students for careers in social work, non-governmental organizations, government, education, and other related work.

University College London offers a one-year M.A. in Sociology of Childhood and Children’s Rights. This program will give students a sociological, political, and legal perspective to issues relating to children’s rights. Courses cover topics such as health, education, technology, research, social justice, and other related issues. Students also complete an independent research project/dissertation. Graduates can pursue work with international organizations, social work, education, research institutes, government, and more.

PhD Degrees

Queen’s University Belfast offers a three-year PhD in Education. Students can attend full or part-time and have flexibility to choose from a variety of modules that will be relevant to their professional needs and goals. Students will gain extensive experience in research and can work with one of three research centers, including the Centre for Children’s Rights. Graduates of this program are qualified for academic and research careers, as well as jobs in the public sector and with non-governmental organizations and other similar work.

Queen’s University Belfast offers a four-year Doctorate in Childhood Studies. The program is delivered in two-and-half-day blocks with modules in research, children’s rights, psychology, and other relevant topics. Modules are taught through electronic and online forums and resources by experts in the fields of sociology, law, education, and psychology. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for careers in education, research, and other relevant work in government, non-profits, and more.

The University of Bristol offers a four-year PhD in Security, Conflict and Human Rights. This program provides an interdisciplinary perspective on a variety of social justice and security issues, including child welfare, adoption, foster care, and other human rights issues. Students in this degree program work research groups and centers related to their professional interests and goals. Graduates go on to pursue careers in academia, security, international development, research, consulting, think tanks, and other related jobs.

The University of Essex offers a three-year PhD in Human Rights. This program provides a variety of opportunities for students to gain research and practical skills in a variety of human rights issues. Students participate in research clusters, covering human rights topics such as children and human rights, as well as other research opportunities. Graduates will be prepared for careers in academia, research, non-governmental organizations, government, law firms, and more.

Birmingham City University offers a three-year PhD in Law. The program offers tracks with three different centers, including the Centre for Human Rights, which offers opportunities to specialize in child law. Students learn from experts in the field and have opportunities to get firsthand experience with research projects and teaching opportunities. Students will be prepared for careers in academia and research, as well as government and non-government organizations, policy institutions, and commerce.

Online Degrees

The Open University offers a one-year certificate in Higher Education in Children and Families. This online program serves as introductory or supplementary learning for students interested in issues surrounding children’s rights, development, and psychology. The courses cover introductory, interdisciplinary topics related to children and families. The program prepares students for a more in-depth education in children’s studies or provides professionals working in related fields with an understanding of issues surrounding children.

Birmingham City University offers a three-year PhD in Law. The program offers tracks with three different centers, including the Centre for Human Rights, which offers opportunities to specialize in child law. Students learn from experts in the field and have opportunities to get firsthand experience with research projects and teaching opportunities. Students will be prepared for careers in academia and research, as well as government and non-government organizations, policy institutions, and commerce.

Leeds Beckett University offers an online MA in Childhood Studies and Early Years, which can be taken over the course of 1 to 3 years. This program aims to take a holistic approach to children’s studies, covering a variety of issues that affect children and promoting children’s rights and social justice for children. Students take courses on research, psychology, social justice and law, health, and other relevant topics. This degree prepares its graduates for work in a wide range of settings and fields dealing with children’s issues and childhood development.

The Open University offers a three-year online MA in Childhood and Youth. This program consists of three stages with modules covering topics such as law, children’s rights, education, ethnicity and religion, criminology, and a number of other subjects related to children and youth studies. In addition to courses covering theoretical and practical skills/knowledge, students can also choose to complete either a research project or a literature review. This degree aims to prepare professionals working with children and youth, as well as those looking to gain greater academic experience, for advanced careers in children’s issues and studies.

University of Southern Queensland offers a three-year online Bachelor in Human Services (Child & Family Studies) degree. The program aims to help students develop practical, professional, and theoretical knowledge on issues relating to children and families. In addition to courses covering a range of topics, students also have the chance to gain field experience. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work with community organizations, the government, social work, and other related jobs working with children and families.

Queen’s University Belfast offers an online one-year M.Sc. in Children’s Rights. This program provides students with knowledge and skills in the areas of children’s rights and research with children. Courses cover foundational topics, as well as education, law, social work, and more. Graduates of this program can pursue doctoral degrees, as well as careers in social work, education, the public sector, human service organizations, and other jobs working with children.

De Montfort University offers a two-year online LL.M. in International Human Rights Law. This program provides students with a variety of courses tailored to their interests and professional goals, including children’s human rights law, as well as multiple opportunities to engage in the field and gain experience. As part of their courses, students also complete a dissertation on a specific legal topic. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for legal careers with law firms, international organizations, governments, intergovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and more.

Scholarships

Launched in 2015, the Children’s Rights Graduate Scholars (“Children’s Rights Scholar”) program is an academic, year-long, internship opportunity with the CHRC.  This competitive internship provides a Loyola University Chicago graduate or doctoral student with an internship (12-15 hours per week) at the CHRC and $7,500 in tuition remission for the academic year.

The Child Welfare Scholarships are awarded to approximately ten incoming students who are interested in becoming child welfare specialists. The purpose of the program is to train committed specialists in child welfare. Some scholarships are targeted toward applicants who aged out of the foster care system and applicants wanting to work with urban and rural Native American children. Following graduation, child welfare specialists have worked as child welfare social workers, therapists working with maltreated children, program managers, community organizers, and policymakers.

Child Family Health International has offered partial or full program funding opportunities since 2007, with over $150,000 USD going directly to the development of participants’ global health competencies and intercultural education. CFHI is committed to working globally and addressing inequities. In line with this global lens, it is our policy to actively seek a diverse pool of candidates from a variety of backgrounds who are committed to the mission and vision of CFHI.

Three one-off awards of £10,000 each, to be allocated towards tuition fees for students admitted to the MSt in International Human Rights Law, starting September 2016. Preference is given to candidates who are ordinarily resident in one of the countries within the Santander Network (Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Ghana, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Uruguay, UAE, UK, USA.)

Fellowships

The William T. Grant Scholars Program supports career development for promising early-career researchers. The program funds five-year research and mentoring plans that significantly expand junior researchers’ expertise in new disciplines, methods, and content areas. We recognize that early-career researchers are rarely given incentives or support to take such risks, so this award includes a mentoring component, as well as an emphasis on community and collaboration.

We fund research that increases understanding in one of our two focus areas: programs, policies, and practices that reduce inequality in youth outcomes; and strategies to improve the use of research evidence in ways that benefit youth.

Highly talented and innovative young scholars and mid-career researchers working on child and youth development advance their research with a Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship, which will improve the development and living conditions of children and youth.

The Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program is a globally competitive fellowship program for early and mid-career researchers from all scholarly disciplines.
A three-year grant allows Fellows to concentrate on their research projects related to children and youth. Scholars who engage in interdisciplinary work on individual development and learning of children and youth, and who seek to combine genetic, epigenetic, neurobiological, behavioral and social levels of analysis, are particularly encouraged to apply.

UNICEF USA launched the Global Citizenship Fellowship in January 2012, uniting and empowering American youth and volunteers in service on behalf of children around the world. The fellowship is a highly-competitive, full-time, two year program that prepares diverse, committed, and globally minded individuals for effective leadership in public service.

Stanford’s Handa Center is very pleased to offer two summer 2018 fellowship positions focused on children’s rights in Brazil. These fellowships are directed toward highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students interested in this particular field and geography. This opportunity is intended to enable students to make a valuable contribution in partnership with a relevant organization with the guidance and supervision of Stanford faculty.

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is now recruiting for the second class of Child Defender Fellows. The Fellowship program is open to people of all ages ready to put their passion into practice! Child Defender Fellows will develop advocacy skills, influence local systems impacting children, and build communities that will further social justice to ensure all America’s children have a fair start and equal opportunities in their lifetime. Through bi-weekly, online session from October 2018 to April 2019, fellows will gain critical knowledge on policy and legislation, learn about the history and tactics of nonviolent organizing, and practice using these tools in your community. Training and supervision will be provided by CDF directors, expert community organizers, and national team members in Washington D.C.

Employers

We coordinate research, advocacy and action to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children. We support the protection of children and empowerment of 104 members in 93 countries.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential. And we never give up. UNICEF for every child.

World Vision is an international partnership of Christians whose mission is to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice, and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God. We pursue this mission through integrated, holistic commitment to: transformational development, emergency relief, promotion of justice, partnerships with churches, public awareness, and witness to Jesus Christ.

Plan International is a development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners.

CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We seek a world of hope, tolerance and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and all people live in dignity and security. We put women and girls in the centre because we know that we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities.

Hand-in-hand with dedicated central African community leaders, we are working to ensure that children and families in some of the most remote and isolated corners of the globe have the safety they deserve and need in order to thrive. This means we are also stepping onto the front lines of addressing the link between human insecurity and the exploitation of wildlife and natural resources, which has reached critical levels in recent years and has a massive impact on families across central Africa and generations to come.

Our Purpose is to build respect for children’s inherent human dignity, nurture their sense of belonging, and reinforce justice at all levels through the implementation of strengths based approaches to child rights. We aim to enhance the capacity of individuals, organizations, governments and young people to transform systems to fulfill their rights as defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

IICRD connects people, places, and practices to create dignity, belonging and justice for young people and our world.

Education International is a Global Union Federation that represents organisations of teachers and other education employees.

It is the world’s largest, most representative global, sectoral organisation of unions with more than thirty-two million trade union members in about four hundred organisations in one hundred and seventy countries and territories.

We promote quality education. We promote the interests of teachers and other education employees. We promote equity in society.

Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people worldwide. We scrupulously investigate abuses, expose the facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all.

Child Rights International Network – CRIN is a global research, policy and advocacy organisation. Our work is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Our goal: A world where children’s rights are recognised, respected and enforced, and where every rights violation has a remedy.

Retrak works to transform highly vulnerable children’s lives, preserve families, empower communities and give each of them a voice. We put children at the very heart of everything we do and will be fearless and tenacious in defending and promoting their rights.

Every child has the right to a safe and secure childhood, but for many these rights are denied. Born into extreme poverty and violence, they have no-one to protect them. ChildHope believes that no child should face these challenges alone.

We believe every child has potential and that there is hope in even the most desperate situation. There are strengths within children, their families, friendships and communities. Policies and systems can be changed, to protect children and enable them to thrive.

Every child is different and each will find a unique path towards a better future. By strengthening the net of support around the child we aim to ensure that no child makes this journey alone.

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.

Our vision is of a world where children are empowered to participate in the realisation of their rights. Our mission is to create spaces where children and young people are listened to and taken seriously in the exercise of their rights.

Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown.

Compassion International is a child-advocacy ministry that pairs compassionate people with those who are suffering from poverty. The ministry releases children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty. The goal is for each child to become a responsible and fulfilled adult.

Our vision is world in which children realize their rights and achieve their potential. Our mission is to help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children have the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities; promote societies whose individuals and institutions participate in valuing, protecting and advancing the worth and rights of children; and enrich supporters’ lives through their support of our cause.

Every day, children are harmed by America’s broken child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and healthcare systems. Through relentless strategic advocacy and legal action, we hold governments accountable for keeping kids safe and healthy. Children’s Rights has made a lasting impact, protecting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children and we are poised to help millions more. They are depending on us…and you.

As a centre for technical expertise on children’s rights, the IBCR aims to strengthen the capacities of people who work directly with children by sharing knowledge and best practices, as well as by developing tools and reference manuals.

The IBCR works with social workers, members of defense and security forces, officials in the judicial system, civil society groups, government agencies, and organisations in the formal and informal private sectors to help them implement child-friendly practices. The IBCR’s expertise also lies in raising awareness about children’s rights to persuade decision makers to adopt laws and programmes that more effectively hold the rights of the child.

ICRI envisions a world in which all children and families are able to fulfill their greatest potential. They work in the areas of early childhood care and education, children’s rights, empowerment of women and girls, maternal and child health, and grassroots community development.

Girls Not Brides is a global partnership of more than 1000 civil society organisations from over 95 countries committed to ending child marriage and enabling girls to fulfil their potential.

Members are based throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. We share the conviction that every girl has the right to lead the life that she chooses and that, by ending child marriage, we can achieve a safer, healthier and more prosperous future for all.

Stronger together, Girls Not Brides members bring child marriage to global attention, build an understanding of what it will take to end child marriage and call for the laws, policies and programmes that will make a difference in the lives of millions of girls.

  • Child Steps International: http://www.childstepsinternational.org/

Child Steps International is committed to solving some of the world’s biggest problems faced by its most vulnerable citizens, children and youths. We accomplish this through partnerships that engage local and international stakeholders, working collaboratively for lasting solutions.

Our mission is to improve the lives of children and their families who have been affected by war, poverty, and discrimination. We accomplish this by assisting communities in the development and strengthening of innovative, progressive and effective services, which protect children’s rights and give families the opportunity to be prosperous, healthy and safe in the place they call home.

Our mission is to undertake research, advocacy and proactive action to promote social cohesion, respect for Human Rights and empowerment. Our vision is of a just, fair and inclusive society all members of which may reach their full potential unhindered by factors such as age, race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Child Helpline International is a collective impact organisation with 181 members from 147 countries.

We coordinate information, viewpoints, knowledge and data from our child helpline members, partners and external sources. This exceptional resource is used to help and support child protection systems globally, regionally and nationally.

We advocate for the rights of children, represent their voices and give them a right to be heard.

Missing Children Europe’s vision is that all children should be able to rely on effective and holistic systems of child protection, where all measures are taken to empower and protect them from any situation of harm.

Our mission is to enable the development of effective and holistic child protection systems to prevent children from going missing, support missing children and their families, and protect children from any risk of violence and abuse that may lead to or result from going missing.

SOS Children’s Villages International comprises 118 national SOS Children’s Villages associations. As members of the federation, each SOS Children’s Villages association is committed to applying the federation’s statutes, standards for quality child care, and stringent financial and administrative practices.

We believe that children, as human beings, must be able to pursue a life in which they can exercise and enjoy their human rights with dignity, in a just and responsible society. DCI’s mandate is to ensure ongoing, practical, systematic and concerted action directed towards effective implementation of the human rights codified in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), by means of effective coordination between different levels and active membership within key networks and fora. DCI’s holistic approach recognizes that an overarching goal is to ensure globally comprehensive child protection systems, which include preventative measures.

All of our development actions consider children’s rights, not only leading to the realisation of children’s rights, but also to sustainable change of the entire system and to a prosperous society. Child Rights Connect is a unique resource for children’s rights defenders, including children, to be more effective in holding States accountable by using the UN human rights system for their advocacy. Child Rights Connect has a strategic position to access high-level decision-makers within the UN human rights system and work with them towards more accessible, effective and protective mechanisms for children.

Careers

  • Policy
    • Policy jobs related to children’s human rights typically involve collecting data and information to inform lawmakers, international organizations, and advocacy groups about relevant and ongoing issues. They also help with the implementation of policies regarding children’s human rights. Policy jobs exist with employers such as UNICEF, Save the Children, Children’s Rights, and more. Most major international or non-governmental organizations working with children’s human rights have employment opportunities related to policy.
  • Education & Childhood development
    • From teachers to project specialists, education and childhood development are key aspects to work in the field of child human rights. Field work as teachers and educators is available with some organizations, as is administrative work, overseeing education policy implementation and programming. Organizations hiring for this type of work include Save the Children US and International, Global Partnership for Education, UNICEF, and more. Many international children’s rights organization offer opportunities for teachers and other education specialists to advance child human rights.
  • Program administration
    • Programming is an important aspect of the implementation and progression of children’s rights. Organizations all over the world develop, implement, and report on programs related to education, children’s health, social policy, gender development, and other prominent issues directly impacting child rights. Jobs in this area are involved in all aspects of programming, including design and development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration. Organizations that hire for these positions include UNICEF, Save the Children US and International, Relief International, and many other human rights and children’s rights organizations.
  • Research
    • Researchers play an important role in developing policy and programs regarding children’s rights. Many research positions are fellowships, consultancies, or temporary positions, typically brought on for specific projects or research studies. Many larger organizations and foundations such as UNICEF, Save the Children US and International, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the LEGO Foundation use researchers for specific projects, programming, and policy advocacy.
  • Communications & Outreach
  • Technical assistance
    • Technical assistance jobs are often temporary positions or consultancies to help train staff, community members, and other key stakeholders on the implementation of programs and policies relating to children’s human rights. They also often perform in-depth program and policy reviews, help draft new policies and programs, and make recommendations based on their findings. Their jobs are all about providing support and assistance to ensure adequate implementation of programs and policies. Organizations that have career opportunities in this area include UNICEF, Plan International, Save the Children US and International, and more.
  • Health
    • Health care is an important aspect of child human rights, so many organizations have aspects that work directly with health issues or choose to focus solely on issues related to health. From nurses and doctors to advisors on health programs and policy, healthcare professionals play an important role in the implementation and advancement of children’s rights. Organizations that have opportunities in this field include World Vision, Plan International, UNICEF, and Save the Children US and International.
  • Law

Summer Schools

This 5-day program for advanced students and professionals focuses on children’s rights issues from a legal perspective. Taught by leading academic and professional experts, courses cover a variety of topics including regional studies, technology, trafficking, migration, juvenile justice, and more. Additionally, while most courses are taught on site at the university, students will have the chance to learn from experts in the field at local non-governmental organizations, with the final day of the course on location at The Hague. The course fees are between €800-950.

This 10-day course helps students and professionals learn from leading experts in an interdisciplinary environment. The course focuses on current issues relating to children’s rights, particularly from the perspective of UN policies and conventions. With the course located in the heart of a city of human rights organizations, students also have the chance to visit with important non-governmental and international organizations such as the UN Committee for the Rights of the Child, Defence for Children International, International Organization for Migration, and more. Tuition fees vary: UNIGE cost is CHF 350; early bird cost is CHF 1600; and final deadline cost is CHF 2100.

This 5-day course for students and professionals focuses on the practice of children’s human rights, relevant public policy, and the impact of social organizations in children’s lives. Students will learn to apply research to the real world, develop theoretical and practical knowledge, and support implementation of children’s rights practices. The program accepts 20 students and costs £500, but tuition fee waivers are available to all successful applications, as well as 10 scholarships that cover the cost of accommodations and food.

This 5-day course for professionals in the field is designed to strengthen national capacities to defend and implement children’s rights. Professionals from a wide variety of fields participate in the course, which also serves as a networking opportunity. Participants learn from a variety of experts on topics such as gender rights, early childhood development, regional issues, education, health access, and more. Workshops are offered in both French and English. Costs and fee information will be available when the 2019 education opens.

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