Spotlight of the Week: Marta Santos Pais – Global Advocate for Children’s Rights and Protection

Marta Santos Pais, a distinguished human rights lawyer from Portugal, has dedicated her career to advocating for children’s rights and safeguarding their welfare. With over 30 years of experience, she has played a pivotal role both nationally and internationally, championing policies and initiatives that ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of children around the globe.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Action

In Portugal, Marta Santos Pais served as a vital member of the Portuguese Human Rights Commission, where she promoted human rights and equality. Her dedication to children’s rights extended to the global stage, as she contributed to critical international standards, including the Statute of the International Criminal Court, and was part of the UN Drafting Group for the groundbreaking Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and its three Optional Protocols. Her influential work has also shaped the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reinforcing the commitment to end violence against children worldwide.

UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children

From 2009 to 2019, Marta served as the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. In this role, she was a tireless advocate for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children. She mobilized action in diverse settings, from justice systems to schools, and built bridges across regions and sectors. Her influence spurred policy reforms and initiatives that have strengthened child protection systems worldwide.

Her work emphasized:

• Justice System Reform: Advocacy for child-sensitive approaches in legal settings
• Community and Family Support: Promotion of safe environments in homes and communities
• Education and Institutional Care: Ensuring schools and care institutions uphold children’s rights and prioritize their safety
• Workplace Protection: Safeguarding children from exploitation in any labor context

UNICEF and Research for Child Welfare

Before her appointment as SRSG, Marta was the Director of UNICEF’s Innocenti Research Centre, where she contributed to advancing research and policy on child rights issues. She also held prominent roles within UNICEF, including Director of Evaluation, Policy, and Planning. Through her leadership, she has shaped numerous publications and research initiatives that guide child protection policies globally.

Honors and Recognitions

In 2017, Marta was honored with the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Maria Grzegorzewska Academy of Special Education. Her recognition highlights the global impact of her advocacy and the respect she has earned within the field of child rights.

An Ongoing Legacy

Marta Santos Pais continues to be a respected and influential voice in child protection, bringing attention to the pressing need to protect children from violence and exploitation. As our Special Ambassador of MICRACS, she exemplifies a commitment to a world where every child is nurtured, respected, and shielded from harm.