JOhn, 

30 years ago the Berlin Wall was dismantled and the world wide web was created. We have made incredible progress in complex areas. But in some straightforward issues, like protecting the rights of children, progress has stalled.

Today is the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which solidified protections for children across the world in international law. 

Every country in the world, except the United States, has ratified the CRC, meaning that they committed to follow it. 30 years later States STILL need to step up to fulfill their international obligations to protect children from inequality, violence and discrimination.

30 years ago States guaranteed a child’s right to a nationality

All States committed to ensuring children have “the right to acquire a nationality”, meaning that they have a country to call home, and that a State is responsible for their welfare.

Despite this, there are 25 countries worldwide that prevent women from passing their nationality to their children on an equal basis with men. This leaves children at risk of wide-ranging human rights violations and inhibits sustainable development.

Call on Jordan to give women equal citizenship rights with men.

Thank you for your continued commitment to upholding the rights of women and girls across the world.

In solidarity,

Alexandra Patsalides

Human Rights Lawyer