The position paper first emphasises the relevance of children's environmental rights and makes it clear that children and young people are particularly affected by the climate crisis. Swift, decisive action by the global community is immensely important in order to mitigate the damage caused by the climate crisis and enable current and future generations to have a life worth living on this planet. The observance and implementation of ecological children's rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) as a whole play a decisive role here. The significance of the General comment No. 26, which can be used as a guideline for and specification of ecological children's rights, is presented first in the paper. This is followed by a summary of the contents and the obligations of states defined in the General comment No. 26. In a concluding chapter, the AGJ formulates recommendations and requirements for all levels of government:
- the acknowledgement of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for children in national laws,
- the political alignment of all ministries with the guidelines of the General comment No. 26,
- the assumption of responsibility for foreseeable environmental threats,
- comprehensive measures to ensure the dignity and protection of young people,
- the participation of young people in political decisions and
- close cooperation between the federal government and civil society to fight for children's environmental rights.
The AGJ also formulates measures and recommendations for the child and youth welfare structures in Germany. It shows that child and youth services can contribute to the dissemination and accessibility of GC 26 for young people. It can also promote the raising of environmental awareness in its programmes and broaden young people's view of global challenges and injustices. Furthermore, child and youth services should involve young people in all their activities, as well as ensure that young people are heard and are involved in issues and measures that affect the climate - and can assert their rights if necessary. In conclusion, the AGJ points out ideas for an advancement of the General comment and suggests, among other things, that it be made a permanent item in the UN CRC state report process.
Download the full position paper as PDF: https://www.agj.de/fileadmin/files/positionen/2024/AGJ-Positionspapier_Klimakrise_als_Kinderrechtekrise_eng.pdf
Source: Child and Youth Welfare Association – AGJ
