In recent years, several major issues affecting Hungary’s entire child protection system have come under the spotlight. Serious cases of child abuse, gaps in both basic and specialized child welfare services, the alarming persistence of child poverty, segregation and other forms of discrimination, as well as constitutional changes introduced in the name of child protection, have all exposed deep-rooted systemic problems. Yet we know that a child’s well-being and welfare are fundamental — not just for a happy childhood, but for the chance to grow into a healthy, successful adult. So what kind of future lies ahead for them? And what can we do today to help shape a better one?
Since its founding in 2015, the Hungarian Child Rights Coalition – bringing together Hungary’s leading child protection and children’s rights organizations and experts – has worked, with the support of UNICEF Hungary, to promote meaningful dialogue on children’s rights. Each year, the Coalition organizes a national conference and remains committed to keeping key child rights issues on the public and policy agenda — even those that rarely make headlines.
This year, to mark its 10th anniversary, the Coalition will host its annual children’s rights conference in collaboration with the Institute of Political and International Studies and the Department of Social Work of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). We primarily welcome submissions from master and PhD students for the poster session (but applications from others are also encouraged) if their research addresses not only current challenges in child protection, but also explores forward-looking questions about the future of children’s rights.
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
- What does a well-functioning child protection system look like?
- Developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems
- The school as a safe space – best practices and ongoing challenges
- How can child poverty be effectively eradicated?
- What are the most effective tools to prevent discrimination against children?
- How can we safeguard the fundamental rights of children and future generations?
- Promising practices and programs to support children’s mental health
- Effective models of child participation – where and how do they work?
- The challenges of inclusive education in Hungary
- What makes adoption truly child-centered?
- AI, online safety, and children’s rights
- Building and maintaining child-friendly justice systems – key challenges
The primary language of the conference is Hungarian. However, we will also host an English-language section, and we warmly welcome abstract submissions in English.
To apply for a presentation or poster session, please submit an abstract of no more than 300 words. Poster presenters are responsible for designing the visual layout of their posters. The recommended poster size is A3 (42 cm × 30 cm), and printing will be provided by the university. All submissions must include a brief professional CV.
Submission deadline: 30 September 2025
Applicants will be notified of the results of the abstract review process by 10 October 2025.
For more information, please contact: gyermekjogicivilkoalicio@gmail.com
Registration: https://forms.gle/b5mPbQRSoGWXET4SA
Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/cCrDXO2rq