30th Anniversary of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child

56 years ago, particularly moved by the tragedy affecting the children of Vietnam, Princess Grace decided to act in favor of child protection. Soon after, the "Association Mondiale des Amis de l'Enfant" (AMADE) was born.

Twenty-six years later, on November 20, 1989, world leaders committed to building a world fit for children by signing the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (ICRC). With 195 signatory states, it is the most widely ratified Human Rights treaty in history.

This international agreement has undoubtedly significantly improved the lives of millions of children with a decrease of almost 50% in the mortality of children under 5; the number of children attending primary school has doubled; the number of women dying during pregnancy or childbirth dropped by 45% and the child labor fell by a third.

Today, however, many challenges still await, as 230 million children lack a civil status and are therefore invisible to the authorities; 262 million children and young people are out of school; 420 million children still live in a war zone; 650 million girls are married before their 18th birthday; one in four children will live in an area where water resources will be extremely limited by 2040 [1 *].

Faced with these realities AMADE continues its commitment to the protection and development of childhood, commitment that is more relevant than ever. Thanks to a network of implementing partners, recognized for their expertise in favor of children, AMADE intervenes in Africa, Asia and Europe, for the protection of children against abuse, violence and exploitation, as well as access to education and health.

This commitment is now illustrated by four programs: Dignity for Women, The Energy of Hope; Capoeira for Peace and Unaccompanied Minors (MNA) around issues related to sexual violence against girls and women, access to education for girls; access to sustainable quality energy as a vector of development; the care of vulnerable children through the practice of social capoeira and the care and support of unaccompanied migrant minors while supporting the prevention of migration in the countries of origin.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the CIDE, AMADE wishes to thank its donors and partners for their commitment alongside the association.


* Source: Press release "UNICEF France is mobilizing for World Children's Day - Enlightenment on the 30th anniversary of the rights of the child".