From the recognition of school climates as a fundamental issue to the promotion of innovative projects, the League has been at the forefront of discussions and concrete actions. Here is a look back at a year rich in engagements.
a martyr protocol and a world children’s rights day
On this International Children’s Rights Day, a major milestone was reached with the second reading adoption of the martyr protocol on school climates by the School Climate Committee. This text aims to regulate and promote an educational environment that respects children’s rights, addressing a legal gap: the absence of the word “school” in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. This protocol is only a first step toward international recognition.
the league trains the human rights defenders of tomorrow
Human rights education is essential to preparing an engaged and informed generation. This fall, the League welcomed and trained the second cohort of its program for young activists, named “Kofi Atta Annan.” This program places particular emphasis on parallel diplomacy and human rights advocacy.
Among the participants, high school students specializing in History-Geography, Geopolitics, and Political Science (HGGSP) had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with international mechanisms for protecting fundamental rights and develop their skills in negotiation and advocacy.
As part of their training, they will conduct an in-depth investigation into the state of children’s rights in several countries: Qatar, Iraq, Romania, Indonesia, Norway, Brazil, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Spain. Their work will result in a report submitted to the United Nations to contribute to international discussions on child protection.
Lenny Pamart and Jean-Pierre Pourtois publish a book on diplomacy and children’s rights
Two committed figures, Lenny Pamart and Jean-Pierre Pourtois, have published a book exploring the diplomatic issues surrounding children’s rights. Rather than a purely historical perspective, this book highlights the interactions between diplomacy, education, and public policies, showing how different international actors are working to adapt existing legal frameworks to contemporary realities.
It also showcases the League’s work, particularly the martyr optional protocol on school climates, integrating it into an ongoing process of adapting international norms to current children’s rights challenges.
Published by Chroniques Sociales, the book is available at this link.
the league awards the education for peace prize to 16 laureates
Valuing young people’s commitment to a fairer world is the goal of the Education for Peace Prize. Among this year’s laureates, high school students from Emmanuel d’Alzon High School stood out with an in-depth study on education systems and child protection in seven countries. Their work was published on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s website, a testament to their rigor and dedication.
the league participates in the UN crime prevention and criminal justice commission
At the 33rd UN Commission on Criminal Justice, the League highlighted the need for better protection of children from violence, whether physical, psychological, or institutional. It stressed the importance of proactive prevention and concrete solutions such as training education professionals and improving reporting mechanisms.
the league submits seven seports to the UN committee on the rights of the child
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child periodically reviews reports submitted by state parties to assess the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 2024, during its 96th session (May 6–24), the Committee examined reports from Bhutan, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Mali, Namibia, and Paraguay.
These reviews aim to identify progress made, persistent challenges, and formulate recommendations to improve child rights in each country. Non-governmental organizations like ours play a crucial role in submitting alternative or complementary reports, providing independent perspectives and additional data to inform the Committee’s deliberations.
In 2024, the League contributed to this process by submitting seven reports addressing key issues such as school bullying, institutional violence, and access to quality education. These contributions aimed to highlight the need to adapt legislative and policy frameworks to contemporary realities to ensure respect for and promotion of children’s rights worldwide.
Find the different reports via the associated links:
a newspaper profiles Lenny Pamart
Le Monde traces the journey of Lenny Pamart, a former student who faced school bullying and, rather than being defined by this experience, chose to take action for a more positive school climate. As founder and president of the League, he has worked to raise awareness among students, teachers, and the general public about bullying prevention through conferences, educational projects, and collaborations with other engaged actors. His unwavering commitment and constructive approach have made him a key voice in the education and student well-being debate, now part of a broader vision to build safer, more inclusive, and caring environments.
Read the full interview at this link.
french television highlights the colorful playground project
The colorful playground project, implemented by the League, was featured in an M6 television report, emphasizing its positive impact on students’ well-being. Inaugurated in 2023 at the Emmanuel d’Alzon Institute, this playground was designed as a structured and nurturing space, fostering both personal development and social interaction.
It is divided into several color-coded zones:
🔵 A zone dedicated to quiet activities
🟣 A zone for artistic practices
🟢 A zone focused on ecological initiatives
🟡 A recreational zone
🟠 A sector reserved for sports activities
Watch the full report here.
the league answers questions from the belgian press
Interviewed by the Belgian press, the League shared its expertise on identifying the signs of school bullying, its consequences, and prevention strategies. Through interviews with the newspaper L’Avenir and the JDE, a children’s newspaper, the League was able to reach and educate a broad audience on these critical issues.
Find the articles from L’Avenir and the JDE at the following links.
a series of conferences and debates in belgium on school climates
During these conferences, the League highlighted the importance of school climates and initiatives aimed at improving student well-being. Held at the University of Namur Cadets, these discussions brought together experts, educators, and students to explore best practices for creating a safer and more inclusive school environment. The exchanges focused on bullying prevention strategies, optimizing school spaces, and the crucial role of teachers and students in fostering a positive atmosphere. Additionally, case studies and testimonials illustrated the real-world benefits of these approaches.