This joint report affirms the right to early childhood development as a fundamental and indivisible human right. It urges governments to fulfil their obligations under international law by establishing inclusive, well-funded systems that support children’s health, learning, protection, and family life—especially for those in marginalised and crisis-affected settings.

The report presents comprehensive, rights-based recommendations that focus on three strategic pillars: public investment, cross-sectoral policy integration, and quality implementation. It makes a strong case for early childhood development (ECD) to be recognised and upheld through a dedicated United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution. It contributes to global efforts calling for an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child that explicitly guarantees the right to ECD.

This publication was developed by the Child Rights Connect Taskforce on Inclusive Social Protection, authored by Dominic Richardson, and endorsed by a wide group of leading child rights organisations.

Cosigned by:

Moving Minds Alliance, Hope and Homes for Children, Lumos, Make Mothers Matter, Child Identity Protection, CINDI, Learning for Well-being Foundation, Learning for Well-being Institute, TheirWorld, Miracle Foundation India, Plataforma de Infancia, Family for Every Child, Better Care Network, and SOS Children’s Villages.