Osnabrück/Berlin, January 23, 2025 – Affordable rents, stable pensions, decent wages, and a sound infrastructure – numerous election campaign topics revolve around important social issues. From Terre des Hommes , however, the rights of children and young people must play a much more significant role.
“As a children’s rights organization, we appeal to the next federal government to prioritize the integration, development, and participation of all children and young people. However, with few exceptions, the parties’ election manifestos lack an explicit perspective on children and young people. In other words, there is too little focus on the well-being of children,” explained Joshua Hofert, spokesperson for the board of Terre des Hommes . “We are therefore launching the campaign ‘Your Voice for Children’s Rights,’ which puts children and their rights in the spotlight. We have observed significant differences in the parties’ election manifestos on this issue.”
This applies particularly to disadvantaged and marginalized children and young people. Refugee children have a right to protection and care. If refugee children arrive in Germany alone, everything must be done to ensure they can live with their families and integrate.
The debate surrounding the suspension or reform of the supply chain law also falls short. Our prosperity must not be based on the exploitation of children who toil in South Asian textile factories or mines. Many companies are actively working to ensure transparency regarding their suppliers, so they can be certain that their products are not manufactured using child labor.
“When it comes to the well-being of children, we can’t just look at Germany. The calls from various quarters for a drastic cut in development aid would have dramatic consequences,” said Joshua Hofert. “On the contrary, the numerous crises and famines demonstrate the enormous importance of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. They reduce the root causes of displacement, save children and their families from starvation, create new opportunities, and strengthen democratic systems. We therefore appeal to all voters to cast their ballots for children’s rights.”
<hr>
A brief analysis of election manifestos with a focus on various aspects of children's rights can be found at www.tdh.de/deine-stimme-fuer-kinderrechte