In January 2025, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom launched a bold and visionary initiative: to transform the lives of children globally so that all children are cared for in families and free of violence, exploitation and other harmful practices.
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 in a global movement that harnesses decades of international progress to ensure all children are growing up in a safe, nurturing and loving family environment. This overview calls on government leaders to join this movement. Together we aim to:
- strengthen families and prevent unnecessary separation
- ensure safe, family-based alternative care
- end the use of institutions for children around the world
The Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform puts this vision into reality and is a call for world leaders to act together to:
- uphold the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- invest in families, children, care leavers, and inclusive services
- end violence against children and harmful practices like orphanage tourism
This overview provides a background of the campaign and the Global Charter, including how countries can sign.