Gearing up for a busy Autumn of child rights advocacy

Eurochild gathered members in online discussions on the European Semester, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee Initiative.

Almost paradoxically, the disruption caused by the pandemic is creating a more favourable environment for child rights advocacy.  This is the observation of several Eurochild members who are experiencing more opportunities: to engage with politicians and policy makers, to be heard in the media, to unite the sector around common advocacy goals, and to listen to children’s views through online surveys and virtual meetings.

This week Eurochild gathered many members in online discussions on the European Semester, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee Initiative. A final workshop provided space for members to share their national realities and how the work of national coalitions of children’s organisations is changing in light of the pandemic.  Every session had presentations from Eurochild members, providing a platform for exchange of experience and learning.

As pointed out by Eurochild’s President when opening the session on the child guarantee “there has never been as much political commitment, as now, by European institutions, particularly the European Parliament and the EU Commission.”  But as she went on to say “this political commitment will not be enough … we truly need to work at a national level.”

Members shared many examples of how synergies between EU policies and national advocacy priorities is amplifying their work.  New ideas were also shared on how to enhance our collective impact.

The full transcript of our President’s speech can be downloaded here.