All rights. For all children. That is the promise. And it is our responsibility to keep it. Now more than ever.
Without a doubt – 2025 was a turbulent year. Around the world conflicts, financial challenges and growing polarization put pressure on families, communities, civil society and the whole protection system. And – when systems weaken, the most vulnerable children are the first victims.
Child sexual abuse doesn’t pause in a crisis – it is pushed further into the shadows.
And when it does, we must shed even more light on early warning signs, make hidden harm visible, and mobilize more trusted adults. As Childhood’s founder HM The Queen once said: “We must all continue to fight. We must never take children’s safety for granted.”
Nearly 40 years have passed since the UN adopted The Convention on the Rights of the Child. The promise was clear: all rights, for all children. Not some rights, for some children.
That promise is now being highly tested. Already marginalized groups – such as LGBTQ+ youths and children with disabilities are more at risk of being sexually abused. Instead of increased support, they are facing stigma. Instead of being heard, they are silenced. Their stories are questioned. Their rights become negotiable.
In November we co-hosted the meeting “Leaving no child behind – from promise to progress” at the UN headquarters in New York. The meeting brought together survivor-led initiatives, grassroots organizations, international agencies, and UN Member States to advance collective action that protects children, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that no child is left behind.
Our mutual message after the meeting was clear: If we truly mean that no child should be left behind, our joint efforts must strengthen. More people need to do more. More people need to join our mission.
And I am hopeful that we will succeed. What gives me hope is this: The dedicated professionals who show up every day for children. The grassroot organizations that keep going when resources are thin. The pioneers who dare to test new approaches. The young people and survivors who speak up and help us see what needs to change.
In 2026, we will accelerate our efforts and continue doing what Childhood does best: identifying gaps in the safety system for children, scouting and investing in pioneering ideas with the potential to create lasting change and building partnerships across borders and sectors to contribute to systemic impact.
To you and everyone else who contributes time, expertise, courage, and resources: Thank you for standing with us!
Paula Guillet de Monthoux
Secretary General World Childhood Foundation
