Jointly with 139 other civil society organisations working for the promotion and protection of children’s rights, we signed a letter expressing concern over the cancellation of the pre-session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in May 2024 due to the UN liquidity crisis. This decision sets a worrisome precedent, hindering the Committee’s ability to fulfil its vital role in overseeing the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The cancellation disrupts the established process of reviewing States parties, depriving children, civil society and other stakeholders of opportunities to contribute effectively.

Furthermore, the postponement of the pre-session has significant repercussions, particularly for children and civil society representatives who have spent months preparing to engage with the Committee. The announcement, mere days before submissions were due, has led to frustration and a sense of disempowerment among children and civil society. This disruption wastes efforts and undermines the essential dialogue between stakeholders and the Committee.

These developments occur in the context of broader challenges facing the UN human rights system, with the cancellation of hybrid modalities for human rights bodies earlier in the year exacerbating concerns. There is now a risk that crucial events like the Day of General Discussion could face postponement or cancellation, further impeding meaningful engagement on pressing issues such as children’s access to justice. This erosion of engagement opportunities for civil society and children is deeply concerning, particularly amid ongoing global crises affecting children disproportionately. It underscores the urgent need for UN Member States to fulfil their financial obligations to ensure the effective functioning of vital human rights mechanisms.

You can read the letter here.