Clifford Chance signs new Private Sector Pact to end orphanages worldwide

26 July 2018

Malcolm Sweeting

London

Clifford Chance has echoed the UK Government's landmark commitment to promote family and community-based care for all children, as announced at this week's Global Disability Summit, by joining forces with UBS Optimus Foundation and Allen & Overy to launch a new ‘Private Sector Pact'.

Led by international charity Hope & Homes for Children, a global strategic pro bono client of Clifford Chance, this new Pact sets out a pathway for change to ensure businesses can play a leading role in eliminating the growing problem of orphanages in the developing world.

As a signatory, Clifford Chance states that "we share the UK’s pledge to all children realising their right to family care - and that no child is left behind. We are committed to ensuring that our businesses do not, either directly or indirectly, contribute towards the institutionalisation of children; and to instead support family and community based services.”

Senior partner Malcolm Sweeting, a trustee of Hope & Homes for Children, commented: "The evidence is clear: orphanages don't protect children-they harm them. Children need and deserve more than food and shelter. They need individual care and attention. They need love. They need families and community based care. I am proud that Clifford Chance is aligned with the UK Government on this important initiative and is committed to making orphanages an unacceptable way to care for children."

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