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Children in Focus: Reflections from the State and Faith-Based organizations

The Inter-American Democratic Charter comprehensively protects the fundamental freedoms of the citizens of the Americas. Notably, Article 27 of the Charter calls for special attention on “the development of programs and activities for the education of children and youth as a means of ensuring the permanence of democratic values, such as liberty and social justice”.

In this framework, and in consideration of articles 2 and 14 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the IIN-OAS and Arigatou International, are proud to present this publication. It aims to reflect on freedom of belief and examine the role of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in the construction of public policies that contribute to the development of democratic values and strengthen actions for the promotion and protection of human rights of children and adolescents.

The idea for this publication arose as part of a shared learning process that both organizations carried out through the course “Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration for children’s rights – States and faith-based civil society organizations”. It was envisaged as a process of reflection, dialogue and advocacy on the human rights of children from the perspective of various religions that converge in the Global Network of Religions for Children: Buddhism, Christianity, Bahá’í Faith, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikh Faith.

Religious values are closely related to the perspective of the rights of children and adolescents, and place children and adolescents as custodians of millenary traditions aimed at building supportive and just societies. These societies are committed to the inclusion of children and adolescents as an intrinsic part of society and community dialogues.

Given these social, political and religious values, we understand that the present moment calls for us to promote collaboration between the FBOs and the public sectors. This collaborative effort seeks to strengthen the capacities of the guarantors of rights – State, civil society and community – in the area of children’s rights.

The reflections in the articles of this publication demystify the idea that “we do not talk about politics and religion”. Rather, they aim to achieve a frank and respectful conversation in which ideas and proposals for the promotion of the human rights of children and adolescents are integrated within a multi-actor framework; with critical positions in the face of religious views that are presented as being opposed to the perspective of rights.

Our intention is that by reading it, we can reflect and find proposals that will allow us to enrich the dialogue between guarantors of rights, which will translate into actions for the promotion and protection of the rights of all children and adolescents.

Read the publication

Children in Focus

Published: Wednesday, 12 June 2024 

Children in Focus: Reflections from the State and Faith-Based organizations

ENGLISH
Niñez en Perspectiva

Published: Wednesday, 12 June 2024 

Niñez en Perspectiva: Reflexiones desde el Estado y organizaciones basadas en la fe

ESPAÑOL

Join us in the Meet & Greet

Children in Focus emerges as part of the learning process initiated by Arigatou International and the Inter-American Children’s Institute through the course “Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Children’s Rights – States and Faith-Based Civil Society Organizations.” This course is designed as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and advocacy on the human rights of children.

In this Meet & Greet with the authors, along with the reflections presented in the articles of this publication, we challenge the notion that “politics and religion are not to be talked about.” Instead, we foster a frank and respectful conversation where ideas and proposals for promoting the human rights of children and adolescents are integrated within a multi-stakeholder framework.

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