The Children's Union

The Children’s Union was founded in 2015 by activist Rasul Huseynzade as a grassroots response to school-based bullying and violence. After personally experiencing abuse and witnessing the lack of protection for children, Rasul launched the “Prevent Violence Against Children” campaign to raise awareness and demand action. What began as a student-led movement soon gained momentum—teachers, students, and schools across Baku joined the call.

Recognizing the urgent need for child protection, Rasul formally established The Children’s Union to bring together students from different schools, educate them about their rights, and teach them how to advocate for themselves and others. The organization also worked closely with educators to promote inclusive, safe, and fair learning environments. Through tireless advocacy, The Children’s Union engaged with local and national actors—including the Baku Metropolitan Municipality, members of parliament, and civil society organizations—to develop stronger protections for children.

Their efforts gained the attention of UNICEF Azerbaijan, which partnered with the organization and consulted them on national child protection policies. In 2016, following the campaign’s influence, the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan launched a national program called “Friend of the Student” (also known as Schoolchild’s Friend). This initiative placed trained professionals in schools to safeguard student wellbeing, foster STEAM skills, and collaborate with administrators to prevent bullying, hate speech, and discrimination. The Children’s Union also played an advisory role in shaping the UNICEF Azerbaijan Country Programme Action Plan 2016–2020, a four-year roadmap focused on child rights and safety—a major milestone for the movement.

After successfully contributing to these systemic changes, the organization formally dissolved at the end of 2017, having fulfilled its founding mission. However, its legacy continues with young leaders.