International Day of the Rights of the Child

Nürtingen, 20. November 2025

Today's Children's Rights Day draws attention to the global situation of children's rights and well-being. Worldwide, children's rights are still restricted and endangered. Armed conflicts, climate-related disasters and global crises endanger the safety, development and dignity of children both directly and in the long term. The numbers speak for themselves:

➡ Every 4th Child lives in a country affected by conflict or disaster.

➡ 1.2 billion children live in high-risk climate zones.

➡ 339,000 children are born in displacement every year.

➡ Children in crisis situations account for half of all deaths of children under the age of five.

Against this background, we work every day together with our partners to ensure that children survive these crises.

➡ Through measures for more child protection to protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse.

➡ By ensuring access to education. In this way, learning is also guaranteed in the event of displacement or disasters.

➡ Through psychosocial support to help children overcome trauma and regain hope.

➡ By improving nutrition and health so that malnutrition and disease can be minimised.

➡ By promoting hygiene and water supply.

As the ChildFund Alliance, on this International Children's Day, we call for renewed and increased commitment and decisive action to protect children's rights, make their voices heard and put them at the centre of global decisions.

A safer and fairer world for children in crisis situations is possible – but only if we act with urgency and joint determination.

You can learn more about this in our joint statement "Children in crisis situations cannot wait: Protection of rights in a world of escalating emergencies".

 

To the statement

 

Häufig gefragt

What does ChildFund Deutschland stand for, and what is the goal of its work?

Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.

How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?

The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.

How does ChildFund Deutschland work?

Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

 

In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.

What kinds of projects does ChildFund Deutschland carry out?

Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

What regions and issues does ChildFund Deutschland focus on?

We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.

How can I support ChildFund Deutschland?

There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.

How many people does ChildFund Deutschland reach?

Through our work, we reach people in over 30 countries around the world. Our projects benefit more than 80,000 children, their families, and their communities.

Give children a future now

Your donation helps create a world where children can grow up safely, develop freely, and overcome poverty.

Or become a sponsor?

Donation account: Postbank | IBAN: DE61 6001 0070 0001 7107 02 | BIC: PBNKDEFF