The Asylum Seekers and Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) participated in the “Fundamentals of Children’s Rights Training” held in Ankara on 10–12 September 2025, organized in partnership with STGM and UNICEF. Representatives from various civil society organizations across different provinces attended the training.

On behalf of ARSA, Lawyer Fatma Doğru, MEAL & Capacity Development Officer Meltem Demirel, and Board Members Ali Hekmat and Aziz Azizi represented the organization at the meeting. During the joint workshop sessions, participants gave group presentations, sharing ARSA’s good practices in the field of child protection, its emphasis on child participation, the activities of the child committee, and the regular child-focused programs carried out by the organization. They also provided information about the professional resources and methodologies that guide their work in these areas.

Throughout the meeting, topics such as children’s rights, rights-based approaches, child participation, and organizational child protection mechanisms were discussed.

Key learnings from the training included:

  • The four fundamental principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to life and development, and participation) must be at the center of all efforts.

  • Child participation should not be limited to attending activities but should involve meaningful and effective inclusion in decision-making processes.

  • Organizational child protection and safeguarding mechanisms need to be continuously updated and tailored to the specific structure of each organization.

  • Violations of children’s rights are particularly visible at the intersections of gender inequality, migration, disability, and poverty, requiring multidimensional approaches.

  • Solidarity and joint advocacy efforts among CSOs are critical to ensuring the protection of children’s rights.