More than 60 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, laying the foundation for the adoption, in 1989, of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). As the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, the Convention has been instrumental in improving the lives of children around the world and stands as the cornerstone of global efforts to safeguard and promote their rights. Each year on World Children’s Day, the global community reaffirms these CRC commitments—a promise as vital today as it was decades ago.
For millions of children worldwide, however, these rights remain under threat. Unaccompanied children often flee their homes alone to escape war, violence, climate crises, political upheaval, and other dangers. They embark on difficult journeys in search of safety, stability, family, and the chance to build a brighter future.
At Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), we work to ensure these children have the protection they need at every step of their journey. From legal guidance to psychosocial support, KIND helps children navigate complex systems, find protection, and build the foundation for a safe and hopeful future. World Children’s Day is a moment to reflect on the incredible courage of the children we serve and the transformative power of support.
One such child is Alejandra*. After arriving in the United States alone and reuniting with her mother, she faced the challenge of adjusting to a new country, culture, and language. Though initially shy, Alejandra met each obstacle with quiet strength, steadily building the confidence to thrive. Her dedication to her education earned her a full scholarship to college, and with KIND’s support, she obtained her protection status, work authorization, and ultimately, lawful permanent residency—a life-changing milestone reflecting her perseverance.
We also honor Laura*, a young Indigenous woman from Guatemala whose journey highlights the dangers many children face even before leaving home. At just 17, Laura fled her country after experiencing frightening discrimination because of her Indigenous identity, language, and appearance.
“I was discriminated against for not having a good command of Spanish, because it is not my first language, for my way of dressing, for my clothes and for my features as an Indigenous woman. I didn’t feel good anymore, because I was a child and I felt like I couldn’t defend myself. With the harassment for being an Indigenous woman, I no longer felt safe.”
—Laura, KIND client
With KIND’s support, Laura received her green card in 2024, which greatly expanded her hopes and dreams, she said. Laura plans to become a nurse and help others as she once was helped.
Children seeking safety in Europe face similarly profound challenges. Ayrad,* a 16-year-old from Africa fleeing conflict, arrived at the border in Poland after a treacherous journey not knowing what to do or who he could trust. He had received misleading information about asylum procedures—information that put him at serious risk—and showed clear signs of trauma. Border officials threatened to return him across the border. KIND’s attorney in Poland provided critical support to Ayrad, helping ensure that he was recognized as an unaccompanied child. He was then transferred into foster care
KIND’s attorney worked closely with the foster care facility and other local partners to help Ayrad build trust, understand his rights, and ensure that he had a reliable adult by his side. KIND supported him through each step of the asylum process—including attending his asylum interview.
Thanks to consistent, trauma-informed legal support and careful protection planning, Ayrad’s safety and legal situation were properly safeguarded, giving him the stability he needed to begin healing and looking toward the future.
These stories—Alejandra’s, Laura’s, and Ayrad’s—remind us that unaccompanied children are not defined by the hardships they have faced, but by their resilience, courage, and hope for what comes next. On this World Children’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and hope of unaccompanied children everywhere—and renew our commitment to supporting them as they navigate their journeys to safety and build brighter futures.
*Children’s names have been changed to protect their identity.
