ne hundred years ago, in the aftermath of World War I and in response to the devastation it wreaked upon children, the League of Nations ratified the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It stated that humanity “owes to the Child the best that it has to give.”
This landmark document, spearheaded by a Cambridge woman, Eglantyne Jebb; founder of Save the Children, enshrined five core principles to prioritize children’s wellbeing and development. These principles remain profoundly relevant: providing for children's material and spiritual needs, prioritizing their relief in times of distress, protecting them from exploitation, and fostering their talents for the service of humanity.
Despite this milestone, the anniversary passed with little fanfare this year, perhaps reflecting the sobering reality that much remains to be done to fulfill these foundational commitments. In 2024, the statistics paint a grim picture: more children face educational disruption due to conflict and emergencies than in previous years; the number of out–of–school children has risen; and the toll of violence on children has reached unprecedented levels. The direction of travel would break anyone’s heart, but especially Eglantyne Jebb’s.
These trends underscore the urgent need to address the educational challenges posed by ongoing global conflicts and the escalating climate crisis. Moreover, the anniversary serves as a critical reminder of the gaps in our current education systems and the imperative to build more resilient, inclusive, and forward–thinking approaches. To ensure continuity of education despite disruptions, we must develop robust systems for remote learning and mobile education, particularly in conflict zones. Prioritizing children's wellbeing and mental health is essential, requiring safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments. Integrating climate education into curricula will prepare students to navigate and address the challenges of a changing world. Education systems must evolve to prioritize child–centered learning, putting children’s voices and needs first. Leveraging technology can enhance accessibility and personalization of education, but it must be used to complement, not replace, human interaction and intelligence.
The 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child is not just a historical commemoration, but a call to action. It highlights the need for a renewed commitment to ensuring every child's right to education, wellbeing, and the opportunity to flourish in an uncertain future. By addressing these challenges, we can honor the legacy of the Declaration and work toward a world where every child can thrive.
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100 years of the Geneva Declaration calls for renewed commitment
Photo by Charu Chaturvedi on Unsplash.
December 10, 2024
Marking 100 years of the Geneva Declaration, now is the time to renew our commitment to children's rights, education, and wellbeing in a changing world, writes Jane Mann.
O
ne hundred years ago, in the aftermath of World War I and in response to the devastation it wreaked upon children, the League of Nations ratified the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It stated that humanity “owes to the Child the best that it has to give.”
This landmark document, spearheaded by a Cambridge woman, Eglantyne Jebb; founder of Save the Children, enshrined five core principles to prioritize children’s wellbeing and development. These principles remain profoundly relevant: providing for children's material and spiritual needs, prioritizing their relief in times of distress, protecting them from exploitation, and fostering their talents for the service of humanity.
Despite this milestone, the anniversary passed with little fanfare this year, perhaps reflecting the sobering reality that much remains to be done to fulfill these foundational commitments. In 2024, the statistics paint a grim picture: more children face educational disruption due to conflict and emergencies than in previous years; the number of out–of–school children has risen; and the toll of violence on children has reached unprecedented levels. The direction of travel would break anyone’s heart, but especially Eglantyne Jebb’s.
These trends underscore the urgent need to address the educational challenges posed by ongoing global conflicts and the escalating climate crisis. Moreover, the anniversary serves as a critical reminder of the gaps in our current education systems and the imperative to build more resilient, inclusive, and forward–thinking approaches. To ensure continuity of education despite disruptions, we must develop robust systems for remote learning and mobile education, particularly in conflict zones. Prioritizing children's wellbeing and mental health is essential, requiring safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments. Integrating climate education into curricula will prepare students to navigate and address the challenges of a changing world. Education systems must evolve to prioritize child–centered learning, putting children’s voices and needs first. Leveraging technology can enhance accessibility and personalization of education, but it must be used to complement, not replace, human interaction and intelligence.
The 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child is not just a historical commemoration, but a call to action. It highlights the need for a renewed commitment to ensuring every child's right to education, wellbeing, and the opportunity to flourish in an uncertain future. By addressing these challenges, we can honor the legacy of the Declaration and work toward a world where every child can thrive.
