UNICEF and the European Union Launch ACAR Project to Strengthen Civil Society for Advanced Child Rights Advocacy in Türkiye

ANKARA, 24 November 2023 – Today marks the official launch of the "Stronger Civil Society for Stronger Accountability on Child Rights: Improving Monitoring, Engagement, and Advocacy at Central and Local Levels Project," widely recognized as the "Accountability for Children Advocacy for Rights Project (ACAR)." This EU funded project received a €6 million under the EU Civil Society Facility and Media Programme, within the scope of Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance III. 

Over the next four years, ACAR implemented by UNICEF aims to empower civil society in Türkiye to effectively monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The project strategically engages with key national and local stakeholders to improve policies and practices, advocating for the protection and promotion of children's rights in Türkiye. 

ACAR plays a central role in supporting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) by providing essential technical and financial assistance. The Project, which aims at empowering the civil actors, is designed to enable CSOs to play an active role in child rights advocacy—monitoring violations, generating evidence, engaging with key duty-bearers, and influencing central and local policies and programs. 

The project involves a range of activities, including capacity building in child-rights-based monitoring and reporting, evidence-based advocacy, coordination facilitation between CSOs, human rights institutions, and local governments, support for child and youth-led organizations, and financial assistance to CSOs. 

In his opening speech, Paolo Marchi, UNICEF Türkiye Representative, emphasized the vital role of ACAR, expressing, "This initiative mirrors our dedication to collaboratively achieve concrete advancements in children’s rights, securing opportunities for every child in Türkiye to thrive and enjoy their full rights. Building on this experience, UNICEF now expands its focus to foster synergies between civil society and municipalities. In this context, our Programme will enhance CSOs’ capacities and their partnerships with municipalities to safeguard and improve child rights, wellbeing, and participation at local level.”

The ultimate goal of ACAR is to significantly contribute to the advancement of child rights in Türkiye, creating a space for dialogue, empowering civil society organizations to liaise effectively with national institutions, monitor the realization of child rights, influence policymaking, and garner increased public support for children's rights. 

Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, stated in his speech: “The project we are launching today will further empower Civil Society Organisations to monitor, advocate and report on child rights. Today’s ceremony is also an opportunity to celebrate again together World Children’s Day [20 November]. The EU remains deeply committed to supporting projects and policies that enhance children protection systems.”