There are around 1.9 billion children and adolescents around the world. In several of our partner countries they account for more than half of the population. Yet children and adolescents are also disproportionately affected by violence, exploitation and poverty. These violations of children’s and youth rights can pose enormous obstacles to development. As a result, phenomena such as juvenile violence and migration can accelerate their exclusion from society. Only if children and adolescents are given access to education and work and are enabled to participate in political and social decision-making processes can their potential be fully realised. They play a vital role in shaping progress in a sustainable, comprehensive manner.

The rights of children and adolescents are enshrined in the legally binding international UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is supplemented by various regional agreements that account for local differences.