Imagine

Written by Niamh Purcell, Youth Climate Justice Advisor for CRIN & RtHE Campaign; Children’s Participatory Rights Advisor.

“Introducing climate justice into international law is the step that we need, because it means that courts will have to formally recognise the ways in which climate change impacts on human rights and human lives. It means that the crisis can no longer be ignored, or that mitigation can be kicked down the road. It will have to be dealt with, and not just in the short-term or with half-hearted efforts: it’s going to help close the gap between our future and our present. It’s going to save lives.” – Niamh Purcell

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network30 September 2025Climate crisis, Environment Comment

To Protect or Punish? Children, counter-terrorism and the criminal justice system

CRIN’s latest report shows how all stages of the UK's counter-terrorism system threaten children’s rights in chilling ways. From pre-criminal, to pre-trial, to trial and sentencing, we need reforms and approaches that genuinely protect children.

English, ReadAlyson Kissner25 September 2025Counter-terrorismComment

What do the recent climate rulings mean for children’s rights?

The landmark Advisory Opinions from the International Court of Justice and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights may have fundamentally reshaped States’ legal obligations on climate action. In this article, CRIN analyses both recent Advisory Opinions through a children’s rights lens, highlighting the often-overlooked position of children in climate policy and decision-making.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network27 August 2025Climate crisis, EnvironmentComment

Briefing: Environmental degradation, climate change and genocide in Gaza

The world is witnessing a genocide in Gaza. In addition to the extreme loss of life, restrictions on humanitarian access and forced displacement, Gaza has also suffered devastating environmental degradation and is being impacted by the climate crisis. CRIN's latest briefing considers the combined impact of Israel’s bombardment since 7 October 2023, environmental degradation and climate change on Gaza’s children, as well as the need for international legal action to address the effects.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network19 August 2025Environment, Climate crisis, Armed conflictComment

After three decades of climate talks, can COP30 bring the change we need?

Before COP30 in November, CRIN is critically reviewing the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of States: two initiatives aimed at enhancing the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). How can UN climate talks ensure both children’s rights and human rights are centred when discussing societal, sectoral and economic change?

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network8 July 2025Armed conflict, Climate crisis, Environment Comment

Joint letter on the EU-Israel Association Agreement review

Amid overwhelming evidence of Israel’s atrocities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, human rights organisations and trade unions are urging the EU to ensure a thorough review of Israel’s compliance with article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. A credible review can only reach one conclusion: that Israel is in severe non-compliance with article 2 and that the EU-Israel Association Agreement must be suspended, at least in part. The EU must act now.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network30 June 2025Palestine Comment

CRIN has joined 600+ NGOs and trade unions demanding the end of the EU’s production, export and import of banned pesticides

While the EU has banned many pesticides deemed too dangerous for use within its borders, EU-based companies are still allowed to manufacture and export banned substances to countries with weaker protections. This toxic double-standard violates children's rights, endangers vulnerable communities and threatens ecosystems all over the world.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network26 June 2025Toxics, Environment Comment

CRIN has joined 200+ NGOs calling for reforms of the UN climate talks

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is at a breaking point. In marginalising vulnerable States, Indigenous Peoples and civil society, while allowing the largest historical polluters to avoid legal obligations and accountability, the UNFCC is running out of trust. Effective multilateralism is essential to navigate coming crises without leaving anyone behind.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network25 June 2025Climate crisis, Environment Comment

Beyond words on paper: Children's right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

“How far must we go for those who hold decision-making power to remember that the future we will inherit depends precisely on the decisions they chose not to make? What will it take for decision-makers to realise that climate justice is about children’s rights, too?” – Santiago Flores Medina

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network18 June 2025Environment, Climate crisis Comment

Public statement by civil society organisations on the occasion of the 37th annual meeting of the Chairpersons of the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies

CRIN has joined with other civil society organisations calling on UN Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the UN human rights system through political and financial support. The work of the Treaty Bodies is crucial in monitoring States parties’ implementation of international human rights treaties and providing authoritative guidance on the fulfilment of obligations.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network18 June 2025Civil and political rightsComment

The Toy Safety Regulation: A pivotal step in the EU’s marathon towards a toxic-free future

By agreeing to the revised Toy Safety Regulation in April 2025, the European Union has taken an important step in protecting children’s health. However, a long road lies ahead - as many promises from the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability are pending and could still be under threat. How can we work to ensure that children in the EU are protected against harmful exposure?

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network9 June 2025Toxics, EnvironmentComment

Open letter to Secretary-General António Guterres ahead of the 2025 Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict

CRIN and 20 other NGOs are urging the UN Secretary-General to publish of a complete and accurate list of perpetrators of grave violations against children. This transparency will help to influence the behaviour of warring parties to better protect children.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network4 June 2025Armed conflict, Violence against childrenComment

CRIN has joined 140+ organisations in their recommendations to the Host Country Agreement (HCA) guiding COP30

The HCA governs essential elements at the upcoming climate conference - such as security, visa access, participant rights, freedom of assembly and protection of personal data. These recommendations present concrete ways for enhancing civil society participation at COP30 by guaranteeing the inclusion of frontline environmental defenders.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network15 May 2025Climate crisis, Environment Comment

Palestinian-led open letter to confront the Gaza famine

The manufactured famine in Gaza must be halted. The international community must act decisively, immediately, and with full moral and legal responsibility. We are witnessing, in real time, the deliberate starvation of a civilian population as a method of warfare.

English, Read, WatchChild Rights International Network14 May 2025PalestineComment

Hacia una mayor transparencia y participación ciudadana: La importancia del Acuerdo de Escazú

“El Acuerdo de Escazú representa una oportunidad clave para la democratización de la justicia climática en América Latina y el Caribe. Aunque su implementación se enfrenta a retos en la protección de los defensores y defensoras del medio ambiente, especialmente los jóvenes y los niños y niñas, sigue siendo una prioridad urgente. Aunque persisten obstáculos, avanzar en su ratificación e implementación efectiva, como en Colombia, puede romper el ciclo de violencia e impunidad, asegurando el derecho de las generaciones presentes y futuras a un medio ambiente sano. Con acciones concretas, el acuerdo puede convertirse en un motor para un futuro más justo y resiliente.”– Juan David Amaya

Read, SpanishChild Rights International Network30 April 2025Environment, Climate crisisComment

Redes de sobrevivientes latinoamericanas rechazan la propuesta de acuerdo entre Bolivia y la Santa Sed

Seis redes de sobrevivientes latinoamericanas firmaron una petición en contra del borrador del acuerdo entre el gobierno boliviano y la Santa Sede. Como sobrevivientes de abuso sexual infantil, argumentan que este acuerdo perpetuaría la violencia sexual en la Iglesia Católica y garantizaría la impunidad.

Read, SpanishChild Rights International Network15 April 2025Sexual violenceComment

Latin American survivor networks reject proposed agreement between Bolivia and the Holy See

Six Latin American survivor networks have signed a petition opposing a draft agreement between the Bolivian government and the Holy See. As survivors of child sexual abuse, they argue that this agreement would perpetuate sexual violence in Catholic Church and guarantee impunity.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network15 April 2025Sexual violenceComment

CRIN has joined 570+ organisations defending CSOs against attacks by the far-right

European civil society organisations (CSOs) have been weathering misinformation campaigns spearheaded by MEPs from the European People’s Party (EPP) and far-right groups. By lying about CSOs misuse of funding and questioning their legitimacy, we risk not only shrinking European civic spaces but weakening democracy as a whole.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network7 April 2025freedom of expression, Access to justice, EnvironmentComment

Prevent and children’s rights FAQ

CRIN has written an easy FAQ to introduce the Prevent programme and explain its current concerns. What are the problems with Prevent and how does it impact on children’s rights? More importantly, does Prevent even work?

English, ReadAlyson Kissner27 March 2025Counter-terrorismComment

Open letter to UNFCC and Brazilian COP30 leadership to address fossil fuel lobby influence

CRIN has joined 250+ groups calling for immediate action to end high polluters lobby’s grip on UN Climate Talks at COP30 in Brazil. The coalition calls for immediate reforms, including the exclusion of polluting industry lobbyists, enhanced transparency standards and a revised COP Presidency selection process.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network24 March 2025Climate crisis, EnvironmentComment

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