The United Nation's Guidelines for Alternative Care

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child adopted in July 1990 guarantee fundamental rights for all children in the world.

The United Nations' Guidelines for Alternative Care

The United Nations (UN) recognises that children who have lost parental care, or who are at risk of losing it have special rights to protection and quality care under articles 20, 21 and 25 of the UNCRC. These children are among the most vulnerable to violations of their human rights. We are guided by the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care for Children to which SOS Children’s Villages made key contributions, to ensure that children in our care are protected and supported.

To achieve this, we work in partnership with governments, communities and other like-minded non-profit organisations to grow capacities to fulfil the provisions of the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care for Children.

Some key children's rights. 

PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION

 

Article 2

All children are equal and have the same rights. No one may be discriminated against on the basis of gender, age, skin colour, origin, language, religion or opinion.

 

RIGHT TO A SAY AND PARTICIPATION

Articles 12, 13

Children are allowed to express their opinions on all matters affecting them and have the right to have their opinions taken seriously and taken into account. This applies at home as well as at school or in politics.

 

RIGHT TO EDUCATION
AND DEVELOPMENT

Articles 27, 28, 29

All children have the right to learn as much as possible - both in school and training as well as in their free time. Their abilities and interests should be taken into account.

 

PROTECTION AGAINST VIOLENCE, ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Articles 19, 39

No one may physically or mentally abuse children. Humiliating, threatening or intimidating are also forms of abuse. Victims are entitled to support.

 

Our commitment to children's rights

SOS Children's Villages is committed to improving the living conditions of children and young people - unconditionally, courageously and passionately.