World Children’s Day 2024: A Call to “Listen to the Future” and Uphold Children’s Rights

Pristina, 20 November 2024 – Today, we are celebrating World Children’s Day, a day that serves as a powerful reminder of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This landmark convention remains a beacon for ensuring every child’s right to life, health, education, and protection.

This year’s theme, “Listen to the Future!”, emphasizes the need for intergenerational dialogue, encouraging children to share their visions for the future while urging adults to listen and incorporate these perspectives into the decisions that will shape the world the next generation will inherit.

“As we celebrate this day, we must remember children’s rights are non-negotiable. The future of children depends on our ability to listen to them and to prioritize their well-being in every decision we take,” – said Head of UNICEF in Kosovo Ms. Veronika Vashchenko

"Children are the beginning, middle, and end of this story. Our investments, partnerships, and policies exist because of them, and their voices will shape the inclusive society we strive to build,"- said Aivo Orav, EU Ambassador in Kosovo.

In Kosovo, the Office of Good Governance under the Prime Minister’s Office conducted the Inter-ministerial Committee for Children’s Rights, which plays a critical role in coordinating policies and initiatives aimed at advancing children’s rights. This committee’s work ensures that children have equal opportunities to participate in society and have their voices heard in policy-making processes.

Young advocates Esra, Bekim and Adriatik had the opportunity to present their views on the “Untie the Knot” campaign, a movement for greater inclusion of children and young people with disabilities. The committee was chaired by the Prime Minister of Kosovo with participation of line ministries, UNICEF, KOMF and children. These young leaders presented a series of requests to help realize the full scope of children’s rights and promote social inclusion.

Also marking World Children’s Day, UNICEF, together with the European Union in Kosovo, brought together youth and child advocates, government officials, international partners and civil society activists to “Listen to the Future!” This event underlined the significance of centering children’s voices when shaping a future that respects and protects their rights.

Young people and children had a chance to share their personal stories of resilience, growth, and discuss their vision for a future with the EU Ambassador in Kosovo Mr. Aivo Orav, the Minister of Justice Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, the Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ms. Arberie Nagavci,  the Head of the Office of Good Governance Mr. Habit Hajredini, UN Development Coordinator to Kosovo Ms. Arnhild Spence, UNICEF Head of Office Ms. Veronika Vashchenko, as well as the Ambassadors of France, Japan, Czech Republic to Kosovo and civil society leaders.

A key highlight of today’s event was the recognition of the EU-funded initiative “Protecting Vulnerable Children in Kosovo”, which has had a transformative impact on the lives of some of Kosovo’s most vulnerable children—those living in street situations, children with disabilities, those in conflict with the law, and those at risk of violence.

On World Children’s Day, UNICEF Kosovo with partners also celebrated significant progress made in the establishment of Child Rights Teams in 34 municipalities, as required by the Child Protection Law. Other important milestones include the approval of the new Law on Early Childhood Education, the new Law on Social and Family Services, and the introduction of universal child benefits for children aged 0-16. Additionally, the approval of the National Youth Strategy 2024-2032 will directly impact the lives of children and young people across Kosovo.

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. Currently, only 15 per cent of children aged 3 attend early education programmes, the lowest rate in the Europe and Central Asia region. Moreover, a concerning 1 in 7 mothers of children aged 1–14 report that physical punishment is a necessary tool for raising children. A recent study also revealed that only 1 in 4 children in street situations have access to education, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive social support and educational resources. Further, Kosovo’s children face risks from environmental factors such as exposure to PM2.5 pollution, which is often over 25 times the safe limit posing a significant health risk, especially to children’s respiratory health.

In line with the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and Kosovo’s path towards the European Union, UNICEF and the EU reiterate their call to government leaders, civil society, and communities to ensure the commitment to advancing the rights of all children, securing access to basic services for vulnerable children as well as putting forward actions to better protect all children and placing them at the centre of policy and decision making. 

World Children’s Day 2024 serves as a critical reminder that the foundation of a just and sustainable future is built by ensuring the rights of every child are protected, respected, and upheld.