ENOC 30th ANNIVERSARY

Children’s Rights: celebrating three decades of ENOC

This year marks a historic milestone for the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1997, ENOC has grown from a small collective of 10 founding institutions into a powerful network of 44 independent children’s rights institutions (ICRIs) in 34 countries across the Council of Europe membership.

Thirty years ago, the contextual challenges children were facing were very different. While over the last 30 years, some positive changes have been initiated, including societal perception of children as rights holders, there is a lot more to be done to meet emerging threats and complex challenges posed by constantly evolving societies and technologies. Thus, fundamental rights continue to remain under threat, and the role of Ombudspersons and Commissioners for Children as watchdogs of children’s rights remains crucial. Over the years, ENOC members have continued to draw on each other’s experiences and expertise and to speak with one voice on critical issues affecting children’s rights in Europe and beyond. The Network has also continued to evolve by adapting to the new realities and thus responding to the new challenges. But if it is ever possible to measure its impact, it is certainly the Network’s ability to channel Ombudspersons for Children’s perspective and children’s voices at the highest levels of the European stratosphere.

A History of Protecting Children’s Rights

ENOC’s strength lies in its members’ collaborative advocacy. Rather than working on a regional/national level, ENOC members come together annually to dive into specific areas affecting the protection or promotion of children's rights, resulting in comprehensive research, shared practices, and decisive policy recommendations. For 30 years on, ENOC’s initiatives have reshaped various issues related to children and young people’s lives, such as:

  • Safety and Protection: Combatting violence against children and protecting vulnerable groups, advocating for children in alternative care, those on the move, and LGBTQIA+ youth.
  • New Challenges: Advancing work on children’s rights in the digital environment, including AI implications on children’s rights, addressing children's mental and physical health, and advocating for climate justice with young climate activists.
  • Structural Implementation: Promoting systemic tools such as Child Rights Impact Assessments (CRIAs) to ensure that national or European laws, policies and practices are child rights compliant.

ENOC’s highlight: The ENYA Project

One of ENOC’s most significant achievements is the institutionalisation in 2010 of the European Network of Young Advisors (ENYA). Through ENYA, young people from across Europe contribute directly to ENOC’s annual policy-setting activities. They are active advisors who share their views and experiences and thus develop their own recommendations addressed to national and supranational law, policy and decision makers.

Looking forward to the next 30 Years!

This 30th anniversary is a time to reflect on past achievements, but also to look to the future. New technologies, climate change, and a shaken global order mean that children need protection now more than ever.

As ENOC enters its fourth decade, the network remains fully committed to its core mission: to defend, protect, and fulfil the rights of every child and young person, ensuring that they are not only protected but also listened to.

To learn more about ENOC's 30-year journey,

 

More to follow soon!