Chile: Children call on politicians to take responsibility
Children's rights are enshrined in law, but their implementation often leaves much to be desired. Particularly in Chile's slums, children grow up not with a good education and safety, but with gang violence, violence, and poverty. The organization "La Caleta" helps these children assert their rights.
A Chilean proverb says: "Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho." In English: From word to deed is a long way. Ensuring that political leaders take this path and translate children's rights into concrete actions is the goal of Terre des Hommes partner organization La Caleta.
"La Caleta" is the name given in Chile to the coves that offer sailors refuge from the stormy sea. When the organization was founded in 1985, the military dictatorship of Pinochet was still in power, and young opposition members wanted to care for the youth in the so-called poblaciones, the slums. Many of them were drug addicts. They sniffed glue, the drug of the poor. Since then, La Caleta has been firmly rooted in the poblaciones and enjoys the trust of the people.
But the methods used to enforce the rights of children and young people have changed: "We want children to organize and mobilize," says David Ordenes, who founded La Caleta 40 years ago. "They should know their rights and stand up for them. We support them in formulating their demands and submitting them to the appropriate authorities in the municipality or government."
"We need more leisure activities and more green spaces"
The children and the residents of La Caleta leave no opportunity unused. During the mayoral election in October 2024, they presented the candidates with their demands. For example: "We have no playgrounds and no sports fields." "We need more recreational opportunities and more green spaces." And when the position of Children's Rights Ombudsman was up for election in 2023, they wrote letters to the twelve candidates and to the senators who decide on the appointment. Later, they met with Anuar Quesille, who now holds the position until 2028. The children explained to him what they expect from him.
Even though the actions aren't always successful, and many politicians only make empty promises and take photos, or don't respond at all, La Caleta doesn't give up on reminding the state of its responsibility towards children and young people. "Together with the children, we must ensure that the responsible authorities do their job," says David Ordenes. "It is their responsibility to ensure the enforcement of children's rights."