20 November 2024 marks the celebration of World Children's Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) by the United Nations. This event is an opportunity for EUROCEF to reflect on the challenges ahead for 2025, in the light of the forthcoming inauguration of the new President of the United States and international developments..
Since the announcement of the results of the American elections, the second inauguration of President Donald Trump, scheduled for Monday 20 January 2025, has raised serious concerns in Europe and within EUROCEF. These concerns relate in particular to the situation of migrant children, Ukrainian children and the consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. More broadly, the future of transatlantic relations with Europe seems once again to be under threat, undermining international solidarity efforts to guarantee protection, care and support for vulnerable children and families.
Migrant children: alarming policies
One of President Donald Trump's key election promises was the mass deportation of millions of migrants as soon as he took office. During his first term in office, nearly 4,000 minors were separated from their parents under the ‘zero tolerance’ policy. Although the Biden administration worked to reunite separated families, 542 children were never reunited with their parents, 60 of whom were under the age of 5 at the time.
Despite an agreement signed in October 2023 banning such practices for the next 8 years, President Donald Trump's new announcements are causing concern and even fear. According to CNN and the New York Times, the families and communities concerned fear army raids and abductions in schools, workplaces and homes. A massive crackdown would increase the risk of profound trauma for thousands of families and children..
Ukraine: what future for children?
As soon as he is inaugurated, President Donald Trump plans to negotiate a peace plan that includes a freeze on positions, buffer zones and Ukraine's non-membership of NATO. However, this plan seems to ignore the 20,000 Ukrainian children deported to Russia. This deportation campaign, initiated by Russia when it annexed Crimea in 2014, is continuing despite international mobilisation and referral to the International Criminal Court. These children, torn from their families, are forcibly sent to camps or placed with Russian families, where they undergo military training.[1].
The withdrawal of the United States could also lead to a significant drop in humanitarian aid. Since February 2022, 3.2 billion dollars have been spent on humanitarian aid in Ukraine, making the United States the largest donor. The consequences of a US withdrawal could be dramatic, despite the significant contribution of the Council of Europe and INGOs on the ground. This aid includes educational assistance for children and families, health care, access to water and food, and the dispatch of equipment. This concerns more than 14.6 million people in need, not counting the 3.5 million displaced persons in various European countries.[2].
A worrying global context
In Europe, a worrying trend is emerging: several countries, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland and Sweden, are planning to reduce development aid to countries experiencing poverty.[3]. According to Coordination Sud, this decision could deprive 17 million children around the world of school support. This decision is not without consequences for the 75 poorest countries, which are sinking into crisis and over-indebtedness following the Covid-19 pandemic..
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also having a dramatic impact. According to UNICEF, more than 5,700 people have been injured and 1,200 killed in Israel, including 37 children. 101 people are being held hostage, including 2 children. In the Gaza Strip, more than 43,665 people have lost their lives, including 14,100 children, and more than 35,000 children have been injured. These figures bear witness to the humanitarian emergency in the region, exacerbated by a conflict that is spreading.
Strengthening international solidarity
Faced with rising tensions, conflicts and poverty, there is a trend towards protectionist withdrawal, both in the United States and in Europe. The year 2025 promises to be crucial for curbing this trend and strengthening international solidarity.
EUROCEF has been working with the Council of Europe and in the field for many years to defend children's rights. We contribute our expertise to numerous European committees on the protection of migrant minors, inclusion through education, and social rights. We participate in the drafting of recommendations to European states, always in the interests of children and families in Europe.
Dans le cadre de son engagement, EUROCEF travaille avec des universités et des associations pour approfondir ses connaissances dans ces domaines et former les professionnels en travail social. Nous avons également soutenu une association d’aide aux enfants ukrainiens déplacés et mené une mobilisation contre la suppression des jardins d’enfants en France, aboutissant à l’obtention de la loi du 2 avril 2024.
As part of its commitment, EUROCEF works with universities and associations to deepen its knowledge in these areas and train social work professionals. We have also supported an association that helps displaced Ukrainian children and led a campaign against the abolition of kindergartens in France, resulting in the law of 2 April 2024.
EUROCEF
Who is EUROCEF? EUROCEF is the acronym for Comité européen d'action spécialisée pour les enfants et les familles dans leur environnement de vie. An international non-governmental organisation (INGO), EUROCEF was created in 1988. It has participatory status with the Council of Europe and makes an active contribution to work on education and social action in Europe. It defends and promotes the rights of children and families. It provides international expertise to national and European political bodies.
Every action counts. Join EUROCEF to contribute your professional expertise and help defend children's rights in Europe.
To contact us : contact@eurocef.eu
- [1] Philippe Rioux (2024, 12 octobre). Guerre en Ukraine : 20 000 petits enfants ukrainiens déportés en Russie… le drame des enfants arrachés à leur famille. La Dépêche,
- [2] USAID (2024, 18 novembre). Ukraine. https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/ukraine
- [3] Julien Bouissou (2024, 14 novembre). Aide au développement : le grand repli européen. Le Monde.