Bringing the “UN Resolution on the Rights of the Child” into being

A comparison of experiences and approaches within SOS Children’s Villages and other INGOs

THE CHALLENGE
The 2019 Resolution A/74/133 on the Rights of the Child demands that governments commit more strongly to protect the rights of usually neglected and most-at-risk groups of children. INGOs like SOS Children’s Villages play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the resolution. Students from “Management & Law” analysed how the UN Resolution is perceived and understood in SOS member associations and other child rights-oriented INGOs as this will explain how well the aims of the resolution can be supported.

OUTCOMES
Students from “Management & Law” conducted a series of expert interviews. Qualitative content analysis revealed that one of the biggest challenges is the communication between the INGOs and the governments (as well as the legal terminology of the resolution itself). It is reported to be difficult to promote rights in a non-democratic setting and work towards a goal that not every government has on its agenda. Existing governmental activities have shown both, to support and hinder the implementation of the UN Resolution. In addition to external challenges, the authors also highlight issues within the internal structure, communication and funding within INGOs which might hinder supporting the implementation of the resolution.

SOS Children’s Villages

SOS Children’s Villages

Fact Box
  • Study Program: Management & Law
  • Team: Anna Bielstein, Carolin Bisser, Ruth Blasinger, Marie Brandl, Daniel Ebner, Maximilian Frolik, Nina Gschoßmann, Laura Gutschlhofer, Leonie Holzbock, Alexander Huber, Daniela Kloiber, Jonas Nagler, Nicole Scheile, Lisa Walder
  • Supervisor(s): FH-Prof. Dr. Markus Kittler, Sabine Weißbriacher, BA MA
  • Partner Organisation: SOS Children’s Villages International
  • Year project was carried out: 2021


Partner Statement:

The project together with students from the MCI was an enrichment for us in our day-to-day work. Starting with the kick-off, we were challenged by the students’ thoughtful questions, which helped us specify our own view on the UN Resolution and how we see our relation to it as an international non-profit organization, as an implementation partner to governments. The students’ findings and recommendations at the end of the project provided us with very fruitful new insights. - Astrid Saxl & Lucia Mayr, SOS Children’s Villages International


Further Information