Gard Children's Rights Week organized

The Gard Departmental Council, in collaboration with the international children's defense association (DEI), is organizing the Gard Children's Rights Week to raise awareness about children's rights in connection with the anniversary of the International Charter of Children's Rights (Cide) and the Universal Day of Children's Rights on November 20. The event includes animations, meetings, training sessions, and cultural discoveries, aiming to highlight the importance of children's rights and the initiatives that support them.

Importance of children's rights in society

Françoise Laurent-Perrigot, president of the Gard Departmental Council, emphasized that children's rights form the foundation of a society that prioritizes human beings, dignity, and equal opportunities. She stated that these rights take on their full meaning in daily actions, such as listening to children, respecting their words, protecting them, and promoting their access to culture, leisure, health, and quality education.

Cultivating a respectful environment for children

Maryse Giannaccini, vice-president of the Gard Departmental Council, highlighted the importance of combining efforts to cultivate a culture of listening, respect, and cooperation to provide children with the best conditions to grow and flourish. She thanked the DEI Gard association and its partners for organizing the event.

Event includes professional discussions on child protection

The event includes "Young Lights," an event reserved for child protection professionals, where children entrusted to the Child Protection Agency (ASE) will testify about their journey in front of their peers, judges, and state representatives on November 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Espace Vergèze, which is closed to the public but open to the press.

Challenges facing children's rights today

Bénédicte Quimpert, president of the international children's defense association (DEI) Gard, noted that the Gard Children's Rights Week serves as an annual meeting to remind that children's rights are essential foundations for the lives of all under 18 years old. She mentioned the challenges that have emerged since the adoption of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, including digital balance, protection against invisible violence, and the need to preserve an environment conducive to children's development.

Event supported by multiple partners

The event is supported by DEI Gard and backed by the Gard Departmental Council, bringing together about thirty associations, communes, and partners. Activities include the Children's Forum at the Pont du Gard, which will take place on November 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and animations from November 18 to 28. These events provide spaces for meeting, reflection, citizenship, and shared joy.

Hip-hop as a means of expression for youth

Sébastien Patin, co-president of the Da Storm association, emphasized the value of promoting hip-hop culture in Nîmes through rap and dance, providing young people with a means of expression and freedom of choice.

Legal advocacy for children's rights

Marion Baillet-Garbouge, co-responsible for the child lawyers group at the Alès Bar, mentioned that the association has been promoting children's rights around the Alès Bar and in surrounding communes, including participating in the Alès judicial film festival. They have intervened in classes that are going to the cinema to watch films about justice, involving 1,131 students from five institutions.