October 23, 2025
In response to a recent refusal by the U.S. government to participate in a global review of its human rights record, youth and their advocates gathered at the United Nations on Wednesday to call for better protection of children and families in government custody.
At the event, organized by the nonprofit Children’s Rights, panelists spoke on a variety of issues, including U.S. immigration policies, zero-tolerance school discipline and the harm caused by racial inequities in the foster care system.
A second panel discussion featured child welfare advocates, parents and former foster youth who spoke out against family separation and injustice perpetuated by child maltreatment investigations.