World Index 2024 identifies root causes of rights violations for women and children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2024
Contact: Lisa MacSpadden, lmacspadden@childfundalliance.org
Greta Nicolini, greta.nicolini@weworld.it

World Index 2024 identifies root causes of rights violations for women and children
Index provides global ranking of 157 countries and findings from consultations with 10,000 children and adolescents

(New York, NY). A flagship report released today by ChildFund Alliance finds it will take 113 years for women and children to witness the full implementation of their rights. Published since 2015 by ChildFund Alliance’s Italian member, WeWorld, the World Index measures the living conditions worldwide of women and children by assessing the promotion, exercise, and violation of their rights. The 2024 edition presents a global ranking of 157 countries, identifying the root causes of rights violations and areas most urgently in need of intervention.

This year ChildFund focuses on the right of children and youth to have a future, emphasizing the importance of fair and sustainable opportunities for growth and well-being. The report amplifies the voices of 10,000 children from 41 countries where the Alliance operates, capturing their fears, hopes, and dreams for the future. Among the key findings is that one in three children and more than one in four women live in countries with minimal implementation of human rights protections; today’s societies are generally less democratic and secure for women and children; and educational rights have stagnated.

The global rankings find Sweden, Iceland, and Norway leading in the protection of rights for women and children, followed closely by Switzerland, Australia, and Denmark. At the bottom are Mali, Niger, the Central African Republic, and Chad. In developing the Index, ChildFund consulted with 10,000 children ages 10 to 18 on issues including poverty, conflict, and climate change.

“Our goal was to assess the extent to which children and young people involved in ChildFund projects realize their fundamental rights, and also to engage them in dialogue on issues directly affecting their daily lives,” said ChildFund Alliance Secretary General Meg Gardinier. “We remain committed to building upon our eight decades of collective history to ensure a more inclusive world where children’s voices are heard and considered.”

“Given the global pushback against human rights, it has never been more important to take proactive action to embed a child rights-based approach in all that we do,” said Manuel Fontaine, Special Adviser, Child Rights at UNICEF. “Through recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every child, proactively addressing discrimination, and supporting children’s meaningful participation and engagement, we progress toward full realization of children’s rights, as laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

Despite differences in geography and culture, young people identified common themes and priority actions they believe are crucial for their future. Key findings include that four in ten children feel unsafe due to threats of war and crime; almost one in ten are working; one in seven with disabilities report not attending school regularly; more than one in ten report feeling unhappy regularly; and more than one in five have a weak understanding of their rights, with boys showing a weaker perception than girls.

In analyzing the consultations, five priority requests emerged: 1) improve access and quality of education to achieve our goals; 2) protect us from violence and discrimination; 3) ask and listen to our opinions; 4) understand and respect us; and 5) encourage, guide and support us. Testimonials voiced by children are reflected in the Index, with a sampling here:

"For me, adults can significantly help young people build their future by providing quality education, mentorship, support, setting good examples, creating opportunities, and listening. Education should include critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.” (Girl, 14, Philippines)

“Adults should help children to live in a safe place, far from conflict areas.” (Boy, 18, Ethiopia)

“For me, adults should be more understanding and not be judgmental. Respect our choices despite everything. And not try to live our life, let us make our choices.” (Girl, 16, France)

With the importance of meaningful child participation a unifying theme across all countries and regions, ChildFund Alliance members developed recommendations (see final chapter) aimed at strengthening mechanisms for involving children. They include 1) mainstreaming child participation; 2) ensuring safe, inclusive, and equitable participation; 3) investing in capacity strengthening, and 4) monitoring and accountability indicators and tools. To learn more, visit our World Index dashboard and read our full World Index 2024 report.

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ChildFund Alliance ChildFund Alliance is a global network of 11 child-focused development and humanitarian organizations helping nearly 30 million children and family members in more than 70 countries. We work to end violence and exploitation against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters; and engage in partnership with children, families and communities to create lasting change. Our commitment, resources, and expertise are a powerful force to transform the lives of children by using our global voice with and for children to address threats to their lives, safety and well-being.

WeWorld A member of ChildFund Alliance, WeWorld is an independent Italian organization that has been engaged for over 50 years with development cooperation and humanitarian aid projects to promote and guarantee the rights of all people, starting with the most vulnerable communities. With 165 projects in 26 countries, including Italy, WeWorld stands with people on the margins, whether geographic or social, working together to overcome inequalities and build a more equitable future.