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New confidence for Syria's children

Between the hope of peace and the fear of new violence: insights into the situation of refugee children and their families in the neighboring countries of Syria.

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Help children in Ukraine

Children in Ukraine have to grow up in the war. Millions are dependent on humanitarian aid, many need trauma therapy support. Help with your donation!

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Myanmar: Every help counts!

In March Myanmar was shaken by devastating earthquakes. Many people have lost their lives. Emergency accommodations, food and medicine are needed. Please help!

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Children and their rights in the coalition agreement

The coalition agreement provides numerous measures that affect the rights and well -being of children in our projects. In this article we present the plans of the new federal government in the areas of development cooperation, child labor in supply chains and the protection of refugees.

The projects from the coalition agreement still have to be implemented, but it is already clear: he is not a manifesto for children's rights. In all relevant policy areas, we will be even more committed to protecting children's rights. 

Our concrete help worldwide is also more important than ever so that children are protected and have fair starting opportunities. Thanks to everyone who supports their donation and their commitment!

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

The good news first: The Ministry of Development is preserved, so Germany's global responsibility will continue to vote at the cabinet table in the future. The new federal government also promises to strengthen humanitarian aid. In addition, the federal government wants to continue to carry out development projects in close partnership with local, civil society organizations in order to be able to react flexibly and quickly to emergency situations and developmental challenges. This is particularly important for Terre des Hommes because we pursue the approach to work exclusively with local partners.

The bad news: With the coalition agreement, there is a risk of massive cuts in development cooperation. At a time when other people like the USA withdraw and millions of lives are in danger, there is a risk that Germany will also come from Germany less support for children worldwide. In addition, development cooperation is intended to serve primarily German interests in the future and thus runs the risk of neglecting the protection of children and their rights.

Right now it is more important than ever that we are committed to children and their rights. We do this with our projects for children worldwide and with our expertise. We will work even more than before for strong development cooperation that focuses on children and their rights instead of national self -interests and ensures that partner organizations in the global south are strengthened and promoted.

Child labor in supply chains

The coalition agreement provides for the abolition of the National Supplier Act (LKSG). This is intended to reduce bureaucracy. A “law on international corporate responsibility” is to take its place, which implements the existing European supply chain directive (CSDDD).

This threatens considerable resignation in child and environmental protection in the supply chains of German companies. Consumption without child labor moves far away. Competitive disadvantages threaten sustainably and fairly economy companies.

Together with partners, we will work for a strong law to implement the European supply chain directive. In addition, with our projects we continue to be at the side of working children and will take children's rights violations along global supply chains into public and politics as soon as we get knowledge of it.

Protection of refugees

The coalition agreement provides significant tightening in the area of ​​migration and integration. The list of measures that also meet refugee children and adolescents is long: entrance programs should be almost completely discontinued and family reunification should be further restricted. Returns to the limits, the massive expansion of deportations and the restriction of procedural and performance rights endanger the well-being and the right children and adolescents.

For us it is clear: we are now firmly on the side of refugee children and adolescents. We are not tired of raising our voice towards the public and politics so that their rights are protected. Together with our partner organizations, we also provide help in emergency situations, offer legal support and are committed to protection against violence and the participation of refugee children and adolescents.