Table of Contents
- 1 Children’s rights: More than words – a mandate to act
- 2 The DRK Bremen’s commitment to children and young people
- 3 A call to participate
- 4 In what specific ways can local communities and organizations collaborate to enhance the implementation of children’s rights, particularly in the context of education, health care, and protection from violence?
On November 20, 2024, we will celebrate a significant anniversary: 35 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since then, children’s rights to protection, promotion and participation have been a global focus. But even after more than three decades, the implementation of these rights remains an important task – both globally and locally. In Bremen, the German Red Cross (DRK) is committed to offering a wide range of services to strengthen children’s rights in practice and to offer young people prospects.
Children’s rights: More than words – a mandate to act
Children’s rights include essential principles such as the right to education, health, equality, participation and protection from violence. But these rights are not a given. Many children experience disadvantage, be it due to poverty, a lack of educational opportunities or insufficient opportunities to participate. This is where the DRK Bremen comes into play to create equal opportunities for all children and young people.
The DRK Bremen’s commitment to children and young people
The DRK Bremen lives children’s rights through targeted programs and initiatives that are geared to the needs of children and families. Some key offerings are:
- Children’s and youth homes: In the DRK Bremen facilities, children find a safe space in which they can spend their free time creatively, learn and make friends. The right to play and relax is lived out here – an elementary child’s right.
- Early help and family offers: With programs such as parent cafés, advice and support for young families, the DRK works to ensure that children can grow up in a stable environment. This strengthens the right to parental care and protection.
- Educational projects: The DRK Bremen promotes educational equality through offers such as homework help, language support and holiday programs. In this way, the child’s right to education and development is sustainably supported.
- Support for refugee families: The right to protection and care for children in need is also in focus. The DRK Bremen does valuable work in looking after refugee children and their families in order to accompany them and open up perspectives for them.
A call to participate
The 35th anniversary of children’s rights reminds us that as a society we have a responsibility to implement these rights every day. The DRK Bremen invites everyone to become part of this important mission. Whether through donations, volunteer work or participation in projects – every contribution counts to strengthen children’s rights.
Let us not only celebrate this special day but also use it to raise awareness about children’s rights. Together we can ensure every child has a voice and no child is left behind.
Congratulations, children’s rights!
In what specific ways can local communities and organizations collaborate to enhance the implementation of children’s rights, particularly in the context of education, health care, and protection from violence?
1. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, what do you believe are the most pressing issues related to children’s rights that we still need to address globally?
2. How can organizations like the German Red Cross Bremen play a role in ensuring that children’s rights are fully implemented, particularly in areas such as education, protection from violence, and access to healthcare?
3. Can you share some specific initiatives or programs that the DRK Bremen has introduced to promote children’s rights in these key areas?
4. What challenges do you face in implementing these programs, and how do you overcome them?
5. In what ways can individuals and communities get involved in supporting the DRK Bremen’s efforts to promote children’s rights?
6. How can we ensure that children’s voices are heard and respected in decision-making processes that affect their lives, both at the local and global levels?
7. As we reflect on the progress made in the past 35 years, what are some promising developments or trends in children’s rights that we should be aware of?
8. Is there anything else you would like to share about the importance of children’s rights and the work of the DRK Bremen in this regard?
