NOVA School of Law launches global initiative calling for 2nd Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Children

In partnership with the Brazilian Coalition to End Violence against Children and Adolescents and the Alana Institute, NOVA School of Law has launched a global campaign requesting that the United Nations (UN) convene the 2nd Special Session of the General Assembly on Children in 2027/28. The initiative seeks to renew global commitments to the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents, ensuring they remain at the heart of international political and budgetary agendas.

The first stage of this mobilisation saw the launch of an International Manifesto, which is open for networks, forums, collectives, entities and universities around the world to sign, inviting them to join the campaign. To date, 46 entities from various regions worldwide have joined the initiative.

Over the coming months, the initiative will engage with specialised UN agencies and governments of various countries to ensure that the 2nd Special Session represents a historic moment of global commitment to the protection, participation and well-being of all children.

In recognition of the pivotal role played by higher education institutions in promoting human rights and nurturing professionals dedicated to social justice, NOVA School of Law is spearheading this international initiative. This endeavour further solidifies the school’s commitment to the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, striving to forge a more equitable and secure future for the next generation.

The first Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Children took place in 2002, resulting in the document “A World Fit for Children“, which set out commitments relating to health, education, protection against abuse, and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Two decades later, old challenges remain, and new ones have emerged, including online violence and exploitation, the risks posed by artificial intelligence, the exacerbation of inequalities by the pandemic, the impacts of the climate crisis, and increased child vulnerability in conflict situations. Against this backdrop, this international mobilisation seeks to prioritise children in the global political agenda once again and to renew the commitment to children’s rights through coordinated and effective responses.

The sign-up form for the Manifesto is available in Portuguese, English and Spanish via the following link: Sign-up form.