In January 2025, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office initiated a global campaign to mobilize political will and coordinated action toward transforming care for children around the world. Through this new campaign, governments, civil society, faith groups, and individuals with lived experience of care systems are calling on world leaders to join forces to ensure all children are growing up in a safe, nurturing, and loving family environment.
They aim to:
- strengthen families and prevent unnecessary separation
- ensure safe, family-based alternative care
- end the use of institutions for children around the world
A key component of the Global Campaign is the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform. The Charter builds on existing international commitments and calls for urgent, multi-sectorial action to transform care for children worldwide. The Charter is available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.
What the Charter Calls For
The Charter is open for signature by ALL national governments. By signing the Charter, governments commit to:
- Upholding the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Investing in families, children, care leavers, and inclusive services.
- Ending violence against children and harmful practices like orphanage tourism.
Charter signatories are encouraged to:
- Demonstrate leadership by implementing the Charter’s objectives and commitments in ways that reflect national priorities and local realities.
- Join a global movement of governments working together to drive transformative change, amplifying your country’s voice and influence on the world stage.
- Inspire and be inspired across countries by sharing experiences, progress, and lessons learned, helping shape more effective interventions and investments around the world.
- Define the country’s own priorities and commitments to advance family care for all children within its national context.
- Participate in periodic learning events and exchanges to showcase their progress and to learn from peers. While there is no mandatory financial contribution, countries are encouraged to mobilise the necessary resources to deliver on their commitments.
Who Can Sign and Endorse
- All national governments are invited to stand alongside other global leaders by signing the charter—and by following through on their commitments with meaningful investment and implementation. Ministries can confirm support by sending a note verbale (or Ministerial-level letter) to the U.K. Mission in their country.
- Civil society organisations and inter-governmental bodies are encouraged to formally endorse the Charter as a visible demonstration of their support for transforming care for children worldwide. To endorse the Charter, send a brief email or letter from the head of your organisation to: ChildrensCareReformCampaign@fcdo.gov.uk
The Charter is available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.