Regional initiatives expand child rights and protection in Argentina and Chile

Various regional initiatives in Argentina and Chile are focusing on the protection and rights of children and adolescents.

In Chile, the government has introduced the ‘Chile Cuida a los Niños’ plan to strengthen prevention and protection against rights violations, specifically targeting child sexual exploitation. This includes the expansion of Local Offices for Children (OLN) in regions like Valparaíso to bring state response closer to communities. Additionally, academic and human rights organizations in Aysén held seminars regarding the right of minors to be heard in decision-making processes, while the National Institute of Human Rights launched an art contest in Valparaíso to promote the right to play.

In Argentina, local governments are implementing community-based support. In Gualeguay, Entre Ríos, the ‘Crecer’ strategy provided health, nutrition, and rights-based activities for over 100 children. Other regional programs include parenting support initiatives in Las Varillas and specialized regional meetings in Luján to discuss mental health, digital consumption, and juvenile justice. Furthermore, a call for foster families has been issued in Tierra del Fuego to provide temporary, safe environments for children separated from their families of origin.