Let's take action together for street-connected children's rights

For many years, FAAI and its international partners have been developing protection and integration projects for street-connected children and have been working to ensure that their rights are respected. Although almost all States have committed themselves to implementing the fundamental rights of children by ratifying the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the majority of public policies still do not include street-connected children. Yet, these children are a reality in every country in the world.

Mario Fetz, Secretary-General of the FAAI, recalls the commitment of the FAAI towards street-connected children:

“In the past 30 years, we have noticed that the issue of children in street situations’ rights is no longer one of the priority subjects promoted by the international community. However, we note with our international partners that the phenomenon is growing and concerns all countries in the world.

In reaction to the disengagement of a large part of the States, the FAAI has made the protection of these children its mission. Our approach includes several steps and always start with patrols in the streets then by a holistic care in our centres, aiming first at the family reintegration. The next steps are school and/or professional reintegration as well as the awareness of the communities.

The FAAI works with its partners in the field to advocate for children’s rights with UN agencies, but also with national and international communities.

Therefore, we invite all of you to come and celebrate this International Day of Street Children, on April 12th and 13th 2022 in Geneva and accessible online: From exclusion to inclusion: what prospects for children in street situation?

We hope to see all of you and will be thrilled to welcome you.”

An interactive event on the topic of children in street situations in Geneva

This event aims to put the protection of children in street situations back on the agenda of international Geneva and of the States. The three conferences will serve as a platform for exchange around the major challenges specific to children in street situations on the ground and the sustainable solutions to put in place to address them. The issue of inclusion and protection of these children and young people will be the main theme of the discussions.

The dialogues will be animated by the interventions of our field partners REIPER (Republic of Congo), Kogl Taaba (Burkina Faso) and Qosqo Maki (Peru), international specialists in child protection and the testimonies of young people whom we care for around the world.

Our programme

Tuesday April 12, 18:30-20:00 CET

SURVIVING THE STREETS: A REALITY FOR MANY CHILDREN IN THE 21ST CENTURY, NEAR AND FAR

With the participation of Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid, Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children of the United Nations, the opening conference will focus on the factors of exclusion and violence experienced by children in street situations, both internationally and in Europe. Together, we will reflect on the solutions to implement in terms of prevention and protection. The evening will be followed by a cocktail reception.

 

Wednesday April 13, 16:30-17:30 CET

COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN : AGENTS OF THEIR OWN CHANGE

This interactive conference will focus on the work of socio-educational support for children in street situations and families in vulnerable situations, as they are central actors in the prevention of street situations. Alongside our partners Kogl Taaba and Qosqo Maki, Carl Lacharité, psychologist and professor at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and Nicolas Liengme, child psychiatrist, will join in the reflection on how to develop the empowerment and capacities of youth and families.

 

Wednesday April 13, 18:30-20:00 CET

PROTECTING CHILDREN IN STREET SITUATIONS : OUR PRIORITY!

The closing conference will bring forward the topic of designing strategies for a better recognition and effective implementation of the rights of children in street situations by the States. The conference will be animated by the intervention of the Vice-President of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Mrs. Hynd Ayoubi Idrissi and the testimony of Dedho, formerly accompanied by the Fondation d'Auteuil. The conference cycle will end with a cocktail reception.

The entire event will be held in Geneva in our insertion restaurant, the Birdhouse, and will be broadcasted in real time online. The conferences will be available in French and English. Find the complete programme and speakers here.