Council of Europe
SOS Children’s Villages International has enjoyed participatory status with the Council of Europe (CoE) since 2008. This enables us to contribute to the development of policies, programmes and actions of the Council of Europe.
SOS Children’s Villages has become the main NGO partner of the CoE in the field of children in alternative care. Together, SOS Children’s Villages and the CoE, organised workshops for young people with care experience and developed "Children and young people in care - Discover your rights!". This youth-friendly initiative on children’s rights includes a booklet, brochure and poster, which have since been translated into several languages.
European Union and EU Networks
SOS Children’s Villages International works with the European Union mainly through networks.
Eurochild
SOS Children’s Villages International is a full member of Eurochild, a network of 135 organisations and individuals working in and across Europe to improve the quality of life of children and young people. Through this network, we influence European policy related to children. In 2008, SOS Children’s Villages initiated a working group on children in alternative care, the largest of Eurochild’s thematic working groups.
Humanitarian Aid department of the European Commission (ECHO)
SOS Children’s Villages International holds a permanent framework partnership agreement with ECHO, which allows us to work with the European Commission in emergency relief programmes in particular countries.
Voluntary Organisations in Co-operation in Emergencies (VOICE)
SOS Children’s Villages International is member of VOICE, the largest European network of non-governmental organisations active in the field of humanitarian aid. It facilitates contact with the European Union, disseminates related information and encourages an exchange amongst member organisations.
Child Rights Action Group (CRAG)
SOS Children’s Villages International is member of the CRAG, an informal group of child rights NGOs working inside and outside the European Union who have committed to work together in support of an EU strategy on the rights of the child.