The first Children’s Rights Square in Western Austria
Children have rights – and in the future also a place of its own.
In the middle of the Kulturhauspark Dornbirn, the first “Square for UN Children’s Rights” is being created in Vorarlberg.
A place that makes visible what is often overlooked: children have rights. Starting in March, 13 creatively designed, double-sided signs will be installed throughout the park. Some are prominently displayed, others deliberately a bit hidden. Written in child-friendly language, they invite children, adolescents, and adults to pause, reflect, learn something new, and engage in conversation through questions, puzzles, and interactive elements.
Location in Kulturhauspark
The square was intentionally placed in a central, easily accessible location and at a popular meeting point for families.
Existing features such as the playground, the willow shelter, the Peace Pole, the public bookcase, and the raised beds of the “Edible City” are conceptually and symbolically connected to children’s rights, giving these places a new experience and meaning.
100% Child and Youth Participation
From the very beginning, children and young people actively shaped the development, design, implementation, and presentation of the project.
― “By children, for children – youth participation is often requested but rarely realized. The Children’s Rights Square should not only make children’s rights visible but also the children and young people themselves.”
― Jubo Viola Amann
The young project creators developed content, contributed their perspectives, presented the project to potential partners, and engaged with city planning, transportation planning, and other committees. They took responsibility—even when it became challenging.
From Idea to Vision
What to Expect in the Park
11 interactive Children’s Rights signs
Creatively designed, partially hidden, and inviting to explore.
Each sign focuses on a central children’s right, for example:
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Right to education
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Right to play and leisure
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Protection from violence
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Right to equality
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Right to health
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Protection from war and displacement
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Right to participation
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Right to a healthy environment
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Right to a safe home
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Right to information
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Right to needs-based support in case of disability
✨ The signs include simple explanations, thought-provoking questions, small puzzles, QR codes, and interactive elements.
Made Possible Together
The Children’s Rights Square was initiated by the Children and Youth Ambassadors for UN Children’s Rights and SDGs of Caritas Auslandshilfe Vorarlberg and implemented together with numerous network partners, including:
KIJA, JugenDornbirn, aha, Peter & Heike Mennel, Großeltern für Enkelkinder, LZH, Volksschule Edlach, Dornbirner Jugendwerkstätten, OJAD, Vorarlberger Kinderdorf, Junge Kirche, and Vorarlberger Kinderbetreuung—supported by the City of Dornbirn.
Additional partners include: Plattform für Menschenrechte, Children and Youth Ombudsman, Amnesty International, Klimabündnis, Startbahn, Red Cross, Scouts, Dornbirn City Library, Südwind, Caritas, Catholic Church Dornbirn, Dornbirn Childcare, Vorarlberger Family Association, Inatura, Caritas Volunteers, and Hospiz Caritas.
Together, they create a vibrant space with workshops, activities, and events throughout the year—for example, crash courses in sign language, workshops on climate change and democracy, graffiti jams, family festivals, flea markets, and clothing swap parties.
Official Opening
📅 Wednesday, March 18, 2026
🕒 3:30 PM
📍 Kulturhauspark Dornbirn
We will celebrate the opening of the first Children’s Rights Square in Vorarlberg together with all network partners.
― “Together, we are sending a clear message: children’s rights must become more visible and well-known in public spaces—and remain so.”
― Children and Youth Ambassadors
Our Goal
The Children’s Rights Square is planned as a pilot project for 6–12 months.
Our hope: a permanent, official designation as the “Children’s Rights Square.”
We want to show:
Children’s rights belong at the center of our society—not on the margins.
“Children’s rights belong at the center of our society – not on the margins.”
Children's Rights Square – Events
- April 4, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM | HOKI – Mitmachaktion mit Handpuppe Lieselotte
- April 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM | Schule im Aufbruch – Projekttreffen
- May 2026 | Time tba | OJAD – Kunstausstellung Jugendlicher
- May/June 2026 | approx. 2 hours | LZH – ÖGS Gebärdensprachkurs für Kinder
- June 2026 | Time tba | OJAD – Hip-Hop Tanzen & Graffiti Jam
- June 12, 2026 | Time tba | Junge Kirche Vorarlberg – Tag gegen Kinderarbeit
- June 13, 2026 | Afternoon | Vorarlberger Kinderdorf – Familienimpulse mobil
- June 14, 2026 | 8:30–10:30 AM | Kinderbetreuung Vorarlberg – Exkursion Kinderrechteplatz
- July 3, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM | Großeltern für Enkelkinder – Austausch zu Klima, Mobilität & Demokrat
- June 24, 2026 | 09:30 AM | Pfarre Rohrbach - Kinderkirche mit Tim und Deckenpicknick
- September 20, 2026 | Time tba | Pfarre Rohrbach - Kinderkirche mit Tim und Deckenpicknick
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September 2026 | Time tba | OJAD – Kleidertausch / Flohmarkt
- September 2026 | Time tba | Stadtbibliothek Dornbirn – Geschichtenuniversum (Pop-Up Bibliothek)
- October 3, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM | HOKI – Mitmachaktion mit Handpuppe Lieselotte
- October 4, 2026 | Time tba | Kinderbetreuung Vorarlberg – Familienfest am Kinderrechteplatz
- November 20, 2026 | Time tba | Risenflashmob zum int. Kinderrechtetag