Aurora, CO – The Kempe Center, the world’s first academic center dedicated to child abuse prevention and treatment, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of international children’s rights by signing the 2024 Geneva Declaration on Children's Rights.
The 2024 Declaration specifically recognizes the universal right of children to:
- Live in conditions of dignity and well-being, out of poverty, and with the highest attainable standard of health.
- Be protected from all forms of abuse (physical, psychological, and sexual) in all settings, including in the home.
The Declaration, a renewed commitment to children's rights, was officially unveiled on November 20th, World Children's Day, which is also the same day the League of Nations adopted the original Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child 100 years ago.
"We are honored to be a part of this global effort to protect children's rights," said Professor Kathi Wells, MD, executive director of the Kempe Center. "By signing this Declaration, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a safer, healthier, and more just world for all children."
This year, the Kempe Center has been actively engaged in various initiatives to celebrate and help advance children's rights. These include:
- A dedicated children's rights track was featured at Kempe’s 2024 Call to Action Conference.
- The Kempe Foundation sponsored a reception at UNICEF headquarters in New York City celebrating the 100th anniversary of children’s rights.
- A podcast interview on the topic was featured on Radio Kempe and an essay was published reflecting on the first 100 years of children’s rights.
- A presentation summarizing the last century of children's rights was showcased at Kempe’s Ignite event.
- The Kempe Center hosted Ann Skelton, Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, for a presentation on advocating for children's healthcare rights.
By signing the 2024 Geneva Declaration, the Kempe Center joins a growing community of organizations and individuals renewing the world’s century-long commitment to recognizing the inherent humanity of every child worldwide.
