The Right of Children to a Healthy Environment and to Participate

In 2024, Terre des Hommes Suisse strengthened its commitment to empowering children and young people as agents of environmental and social change. Across our programmes, we created hundreds of spaces for participation, trained tens of thousands of children on their rights, and supported over a thousand concrete actions in schools and communities—raising awareness among more than 270,000 people.

Spaces for Participation and Leadership

Through children’s clubs, youth councils, and school parliaments, we give young people the tools to learn about their rights, protect the environment, and take part in decisions that affect their lives. From waste management and tree planting in Burkina Faso, to sustainable agriculture initiatives in India, children are leading projects that directly improve their communities. Youth councils, such as one in Peru that presented to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, help develop leadership skills and amplify young voices on global issues.

Linking Education and the Environment

Our environmental programmes blend traditional knowledge with hands-on learning. In Bolivia and Peru, school gardens and initiatives like Apu como Escuela—where sacred mountains become outdoor classrooms—connect children to ecosystems while promoting a culture of peace.

Raising Awareness and Driving Change

Through the “Eco-Reporters” project, young people in Latin America and India use photography and video to document environmental challenges, spark community discussions, and influence decision-makers. In 2024, the centenary of the “Declaration of Geneva” inspired over 3,500 children to rewrite this historic text, embedding their environmental concerns and affirming that a healthy environment is essential to their development and citizenship.

Our impact in a few key figures

41’550

children and young people involved in 930 participation spaces (children’s clubs, school parliaments, etc.).

271’800

Beneficiaries made aware of children’s rights and the challenges of sustainable development.

1’000

actions carried out by children and young people in Switzerland and internationally to advance children’s rights and sustainable development.

"I felt that I was heard. I was invited, given the courage to talk about the problems faced by children in my country, to give our recommendations and provide solutions."

Sokhna, 18 years old

Senegalese representative of the Youth Council of Terre des Hommes Suisse

The work of Terre des Hommes Suisse in relation to the right to participation is in line with the sustainable development goals 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), 16 (peace, justice and effective institutions).

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