Empowering Street-Connected Youth: Street Child United and the UN World Day of Social Justice
Every year, on February 20th, the world comes together to observe the UN World Day of Social Justice, a day dedicated to promoting social equity, human rights, and fairness across all societies. The day calls attention to the global fight against poverty, exclusion, and discrimination—principles that align deeply with our mission at Street Child United (SCU), as we remain committed to changing perceptions and treatment of street-connected children worldwide.
The Intersection of Social Justice and Street-Connected Youth
Social justice is not just about policy—it’s about people. Among the most marginalised and overlooked communities in the world are children who live and work on the streets. Often subjected to stigma, violence, and denial of basic rights such as education and healthcare, these young people face systemic injustices that severely limit their opportunities and potential.
This is where SCU makes a powerful impact. Through global sports initiatives like the Street Child World Cup, SCU provides a platform for street-connected children to raise their voices and advocate for their rights. By engaging in football tournaments and arts festivals, some of the world’s most vulnerable children gain visibility, recognition, and a sense of empowerment, shifting public attitudes and influencing policy changes in their home countries.
Bridging the Gap Through Sport and Advocacy
One of the core beliefs of the UN’s World Day of Social Justice is that dignity and equal opportunities must be accessible to all. SCU embodies this principle by using sport as a unifying force to bridge social divides. Our work goes beyond the playing field—we collaborate with international organisations, governments, and grassroots initiatives to push for policy changes that ensure street-connected children are seen, heard, and protected.
For instance, we have been involved in campaigns that have helped challenge discriminatory laws that criminalise street children simply for their existence. We have helped to foster community-driven conversations to help create long-term, systemic solutions that allow street-connected youth to access education, social services, and legal protection.
These are just a few of our milestones that have helped to advance social justice for street-connected children:
• 2018: Seven participating teams from SCWC 2018 were able to take their voice and demands directly to their national governments.
• 2014: The Brazilian government invites partner NGOs to participate in the first national summit on street connected children.
• 2017: The UN publishes its General Comment on children in street situations while using the inputs given by young people who participated in Street Child World Cups.
• 2020 – During Covid we adapted and launched Change 10, our first iteration of our YL programme, we ran online art sessions and launched ‘Soccer and Sixes’ to keep the conversation and commitment going.
• 2022 – The Qatar Commitment was the launchpad to our most ambitious undertaking of One Million and One legal identities – our mission to give legal identities to street-connected children.
• 2022 – The Supreme Court of Bangladesh removed the mandatory clause of parents birth certificates being required for a child to get their own birth certificate; a huge advancement in securing legal identity for children in Bangladesh.
• 2024 – The Child Rights Curriculum, being delivered in the DRC to over 2000 children.
The Call for Global Action
As we mark this year’s UN World Day of Social Justice, it’s crucial to recognise that social justice is a collective responsibility. Governments, organisations, and individuals must work together to ensure that no child is left behind.
Here’s how you can support the mission:
• Raise Awareness: Share the stories of street-connected children and the work of organisations like SCU.
• Advocate for Change: Urge policymakers to protect and uphold the rights of street children.
• Support Initiatives: Donate to organisations fighting for social justice and youth empowerment.
• Be Kind: Have compassion that not all children are born equal and with opportunity. Help share their voices so they can tell the world…I am Somebody.
By standing with Street Child United, we take one step closer to a world where every child, regardless of their circumstances, can dream, thrive, and succeed.
This UN World Day of Social Justice, let’s pledge to make inclusion, dignity, and opportunity a reality for all.
