‘We want peace’: Children stomp to end war on 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 

Organized by SOS Children’s Villages International and the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the UN, this movement amplifies the voices of children worldwide as they call on leaders to:  

• Stop violence against children immediately by initiating ceasefires, protecting civilians and proactively preventing armed conflicts. 

• Enforce international humanitarian law, so that violators are held accountable. 

• Ensure humanitarian aid reaches children in conflict zones—including food, shelter, health care, education, safe evacuation and adequate alternative care options for children who lose their parents in war. 

• Recognize the impact of conflict on families, and end conflict to prevent child-family separation caused by war. 

For the more than 470 million children living amidst war and conflict, “Stomping for Peace” serves as a platform for their voices, stories and demands to be heard. These young advocates are courageously shining light on the injustices children around the world endure and urging leaders to take immediate action.   

Children leading the way 

A child from SOS Children’s Villages in Lebanon, Yara*—an 11-year-old-girl—shares the devastating impact of war in children’s lives and calls for a future where children’s rights are upheld. 

“War brings nothing good,” Yara said. “Children and youth have the right to live and grow peacefully in our country. We should be able to continue our education and achieve our dreams for the future.” 

Child participants from more than 38 countries are advocating for their rights to safety, education and a brighter future on the global stage.  

These demands were formally presented to the United Nations on November 19, during the 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which obligates nations to safeguard children from the dangers of war and ensure their well-being. 

Originally piloted in Belgium, “Stomping for Peace”—a child-led initiative—has grown into a global movement, empowering young advocates to speak out for themselves and others. 

“Children feel deeply connected and empathetic to their peers in other conflict-affected regions,” said Jenessa Bryan, SOS Children’s Villages USA Director of Partnerships. “They are determined to make their concerns known on the global stage and demand action—for themselves and on behalf of children around the world.” 

The UN event, hosted on November 19 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST, was open the public. Click here to watch the recording and stand in solidarity with children around the world. 

A global commitment to ending violence 

“Stomping for Peace”—commencing two weeks after SOS Children’s Villages’ participation in the first global Ministerial Conference on ending violence against children—highlights our longstanding commitment to ending violence against children, strengthening child protection models and delivering critical aid to children in emergencies, like basic needs and education.  

“We are there with and for children and families, no matter the challenges,” Bryan said. “With our local staff, we implement programs with proven solutions to protect children, even in the face of escalating armed conflict.” 

One of these programs, EduCare, delivers deep, holistic impact for young people and their communities by improving access to quality education and strengthening families and systems around them to provide lasting, sustainable support. EduCare has played a transformative role in vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict zones.  

By keeping educational spaces safe and operating, EduCare continues to provide a stable, protected space for children to access their right to a quality education and continue learning.  

In Ethiopia, areas with EduCare have reported significantly fewer school closures due to conflict compared to national averages. These efforts not only preserve children’s education but also ensure they remain in safe environments amid conflict. 

Join the Movement

According to UNICEF, more than 30 million children have been displaced by conflict, enduring horrors like trafficking, abuse, exploitation and more, while many more are denied their basic rights, such as education and health care.  

Yet through initiatives like “Stomping for Peace” and EduCare, there is hope. 

On November 19th, stand with children around the world as they advocate for a future free from violence and conflict. Together, we can amplify their voices and ensure their rights are upheld, empowering them to grow up in safe, loving homes where they are secure to build a brighter future. 

To learn more about EduCare or get involved in ensuring children’s basic right to education is protected, even in times of war, click here. You can also protect children living in conflict around the world by giving to our Children in Crisis Fund. Your contribution provides life-saving aid—like safe homes, food, education and health care—to children in war zones. 

Together, we can give children everything they need to survive conflict and thrive in the future. Please join us today in ensuring no child is alone or forgotten in times of war.  

*Child’s name changed to protect privacy.