New International ISO Standard on Children’s Rights

Eurochild member Kinderrechtencollectief (Dutch NGO Coalition for Children's Rights) explains how a new international ISO standard on children’s rights is currently under development. This initiative presents an important opportunity for children’s rights organisations to help shape how children’s rights are implemented in practice worldwide.

ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that develops international standards. These standards are voluntary agreements between public and private stakeholders on products, services, and processes. They support organisations in improving quality, safety, and transparency, and in translating legislation into practical implementation.

The initiative for this new standard was launched by Iceland in 2025. Following an international consultation, a positive vote was reached in January 2026 to proceed with its development, leading to the establishment of the technical committee ISO/TC 356 “Children’s Rights Management.”

The development of an ISO standard takes place through national standardisation bodies, such as NEN in the Netherlands. Each country participates through a national mirror committee, where relevant stakeholders are represented. These committees contribute to the drafting process and determine the national position in international voting. Decisions are made based on consensus.

The standard will provide internationally agreed requirements and methodologies to help governments, businesses, NGOs, and public institutions systematically integrate children’s rights into governance, policy, and service delivery. Strengthening the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The following key focus areas have been identified:

• Child participation
• Child-friendly justice
• Child helpline guidelines
• Children’s rights in digital environments
• Child’s best interests
• Unaccompanied and refugee children
• Child protection requirements
• Service requirements for emergency or transitional care settings
• Terminology

For children’s rights organisations, this process offers a unique opportunity. By participating, they can contribute their expertise, ensure the standard reflects real-world practice, and help shape international agreements that have tangible impact on children’s lives.

Call to action for Eurochild members:

Would you like to contribute to and influence this international standard? You can get involved by contacting the national standardisation body in your country and joining the national mirror committee. To find your country’s ISO member, please consult the ISO Members list (scroll down to locate your country). If you need further guidance on who to contact in your country, you are welcome to email NEN Netherlands for assistance. Your knowledge and experience are essential to strengthening children’s rights worldwide.