Berlin, March 13, 2025 – On the occasion of the coalition negotiations between the CDU/CSU and the SPD that begin today, the five largest children's rights organizations in Germany are calling for a clear commitment to German development cooperation and humanitarian aid. "It is about securing the lives and futures of millions of children worldwide," reads a joint demand from Child Fund, Plan International Germany, Save the Children, SOS Children's Villages Worldwide, and Terre des Hommes . The organizations are concerned that the current discussion on security is limited to aspects such as defense, armaments, and infrastructure. "Considering security without the rights and protection of children is too simplistic." What has been lacking so far is a clear focus on children and their protection and rights worldwide, especially at a time when Germany is assuming greater responsibility due to the crumbling of international alliances.
Children's rights are under unprecedented pressure worldwide. In more and more countries around the world, children are being denied basic rights to survival, education, protection, and participation. Girls, in particular, are most affected by hunger, sexual violence, and poverty in conflicts, wars, and climate change due to gender stereotypes. More than 473 million children live in conflict zones today—more than one in six children worldwide. This number has doubled in the last three decades, reaching unprecedented levels. It demonstrates the extent to which children's rights are threatened worldwide. This has dramatic consequences for their future lives.
As more and more major donors withdraw from development cooperation and humanitarian aid, Germany, as one of the world's most economically powerful nations, must assume more responsibility not only for its own security but also for international security. The five largest German children's rights organizations therefore expect a clear political signal on the protection and promotion of children's rights during this important phase of government formation. Future prospects for children can only be created through structural and sustainable investments. This requires an independent development ministry with the necessary financial resources and sufficient resources for acute crisis management through humanitarian aid.
The further demands of the negotiating parties:
- Expenditures for human security, i.e. the support of children in particular through humanitarian aid, development cooperation and peacekeeping, must be taken into account in the special fund. Because human security is an essential part of an expanded concept of security.
- A clear commitment to use for the global protection of children in the coalition agreement. The future federal government must specifically support children in conflict areas and provide the necessary funds. It is intended to ensure that those responsible for crimes against children are consistently held accountable in conflicts.
- Binding anchoring the 0.7 percent rate in the coalition agreement. With the provision of 0.7 percent of the gross national income for the official development cooperation (ODA), not only an international obligation is fulfilled, but also created the basis for investments in strengthening children's rights.