The year 2023 was one of significant mobilization and action for the League. Between advocacy efforts, training programs, and institutional meetings, numerous initiatives were launched to improve the protection of vulnerable populations and promote safer and more inclusive environments. This retrospective highlights the key moments that shaped this year, whether through local initiatives, international advocacy, or fieldwork.
fourth session of the school climate committee at the United Nations
The Palais des Nations in Geneva hosted the fourth session of the School Climate Committee, organized by the League, marking a crucial step in the discussions on educational environments. This first reading of the draft optional protocol on school climates brought together 96 participants from diverse backgrounds, including associations, students, parents, and experts in pedagogy and child protection. The session included strategic discussions on defining a regulatory framework suited to contemporary school challenges, sharing best practices, identifying key challenges, and voting on amendments. This session laid the groundwork for the institutional recognition of school climates and initiated discussions toward the official adoption of the protocol by member states.
Hearing with the Children’s Rights Delegation at the French National Assembly
The League was invited to the French National Assembly for a hearing with the Children’s Rights Delegation, providing a valuable opportunity to voice urgent needs regarding child protection. The meeting served as a platform to assess the progress and ongoing gaps in implementing public policies for children. The League emphasized the need for more active dialogue between NGOs and government institutions to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of initiatives. Key topics discussed included strengthening mechanisms to combat school bullying, improving access to psychological support for victims, and creating new spaces for dialogue between public and private stakeholders. This hearing allowed for concrete proposals aimed at enhancing child protection measures in France.
Training Students as Human Rights Defenders
The year 2023 marked the launch of the League’s first cohort of its human rights defenders training program. This innovative initiative offers courses in parallel diplomacy and modules on the UN human rights protection mechanisms. Participating students developed essential skills to become committed advocates for fundamental rights.
Hearing at the French State Secretariat for Children
On June 27, 2023, the League was received at Matignon by the State Secretariat for Children. Discussions focused on school violence and the active role NGOs and associations can play in preventing and addressing such issues. The League proposed concrete solutions to strengthen collaboration between civil society actors and public institutions.
The League Submits a Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on France
On April 15, 2023, the League submitted an alternative report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in response to France’s periodic review. This document, developed in close collaboration with various French associations and experts, provides an in-depth analysis of school bullying and its impact on children. It highlights the limitations of existing prevention and victim support mechanisms, emphasizing the urgent need for a more proactive and systematic approach.
The report recommends concrete measures, including mandatory training for teachers and school staff, the establishment of dedicated support units accessible to students, and long-term victim monitoring to prevent recurrence and mitigate psychological effects. By submitting this report, the League seeks to engage policymakers in reforming child protection policies in schools, ensuring well-being and safety for all students.
Inauguration of a Colorful Playground Following a Completed Pilot Project
On January 31, 2023, the Institut Emmanuel d’Alzon in Nîmes inaugurated a redesigned playground aimed at fostering a healthy and positive school climate. This initiative, spearheaded by the NGO Campus Watch, transformed the space into distinct activity zones:
🔵 Blue zone for quiet activities
🟣 Purple zone for artistic activities
🟢 Green zone for ecological activities
🟡 Yellow zone for recreational activities
🟠 Orange zone for sports activities
This reorganization aims to address students’ emotional needs, optimize playground supervision, and identify isolated children, contributing to school violence prevention. The inauguration featured activities involving students, teachers, volunteers, and parents, highlighting a collective commitment to a nurturing educational environment.