Save the Children Sweden fights for children's rights.
We deliver immediate and lasting improvements to children's lives worldwide.
Save the Children Sweden (SCS) was established in 1919 as an independent rights-based non-governmental organisation with no religious or political affiliations. Our work is guided by the fundamental values expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (UNCRC) and the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights (UNDHR)1948.
Our work is founded on the conviction that:
- All children and adults are of equal value
- Children have special rights
- Everyone has a responsibility to respect and promote the rights of children, but states have particular obligations
We focus on developing child-friendly societies by supporting governments and civil society in actions to bring lasting improvements for children living under difficult circumstances. Save the Children Sweden works with children to achieve change through participating on matters affecting their lives, and promotes the responsibilities as well as duties of parents, guardians and authorities in influencing the living conditions of children.
We work for:
Save the Children Sweden operates in Sweden and eight regions around the world in cooperation with the International Save the Children Alliance members. The Alliance is an association of 27 Save the Children organisations around the world, present in 120 countries.
Save the Children Sweden ’s goal is to improve the conditions of children through:
- Protecting children from discrimination, exploitation, violence and all forms of abuse
- Ensuring a safe and healthy upbringing along with quality education that provides self-esteem and knowledge
- Empowering children to exercise influence over their situation and have their voices heard
We celebrated our 90th anniversary in 2009!
How it all began…
Eglantyne Jebb inspired the start of Save the Children by fighting for a change in society to improve the lives in children. Following the end of the First World War, England and her allies enforced a trade embargo against the “enemy” – leaving about three million children starving. This news was shocking to Eglantyne Jebb who immediately began working to lift the embargo and deliver humanitarian aid because of her belief that no child should have to suffer from either side. On May 19, 1919 she arranged a meeting in Albert Hall, starting the first Save the Children organisation. She was one of the first to formulate the term “child’s rights” which has been the mission of our work since.
On November 19, 1919 Save the Children Sweden was formed in Sweden . 90 years later Save the Children is active in upholding its commitment to achieving a world where all children’s rights are fulfilled.