Inter-American Children’s Institute celebrates 98 years of history

Inter-American Children’s Institute celebrates 98 years of history

The Inter-American Children´s Institute (IIN), a specialized agency for children of the Organization of American States (OAS), celebrates its 98th anniversary on June 10 with a commemorative ceremony to be held at the agency’s headquarters in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Since its founding in 1927, the IIN has accompanied the states of the continent in the development of public policies with a rights-based approach, promoting the integral wellbeing of children and adolescents. Her work has been key in positioning children’s rights as a priority on national and international agendas.

The Institute works with technicians specialized in various areas related to childhood and adolescence, providing continuous training for public officials and promoting the articulation of effective policies within the framework of the inter-American system. In this line, it offers workshops, technical advice and production of materials that seek to influence the improvement of protection systems, legislation and services.

As in previous years, the anniversary ceremony will be attended by children and adolescents who are members of participation networks, representatives of the diplomatic corps of the member states of the inter-American system and international organizations, as well as representatives of the legislative and executive branches of Uruguay.

Children and Adolescents Day of the Americas

In the framework of the Institute’s 98th anniversary, the Day of Children and Adolescents of the Americas, declared by the OAS in 2017 on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the IIN, is also commemorated. This commemoration, celebrated every June 9, seeks to be a day of deep reflection not only on the reality of children and adolescents, but also on the issues that directly affect them.

On the way to 100 years

Under the slogan “On the way to 100 Years,” the IIN has initiated a series of commemorative actions that will last until the organization’s centennial in 2027. This slogan highlights the relevance and importance of its mission: to promote, protect and guarantee the rights of children and adolescents in the Americas.

As part of this path, the IIN reinforces its commitment to present and future generations, articulating regional actions that reflect contemporary challenges, such as adolescent participation, protection against violence, digital inclusion, climate change and the construction of safe and sustainable environments for children.

Within this framework, academic activities, communication campaigns and regional meetings are being developed to celebrate the past, recognize the present and imagine the future of the Institute together with the States and organizations that make up the ecosystem of child protection in the region.