The first Kidsparade took place in downtown Linz June 30, 2000 and it will make noise again on June 29, 2001. The Kidsparade is the only festival for children's rights. The parade is a reminder to people that children's rights are an indispensable part of Human rights. Children need special protection, respect and support. The Kidsparade gives children the chance to voice their opinions in front of a large audience and have a lot of fun while doing it.

Children and teenagers have to fight hard for a place in society. They don't have an influential lobby and their interests, requests and needs often go unheard. Alarming reports of sexual abuse, physical abuse, prostitution and homelessness of children are devastating and it proves that there's a lot more to do for children's rights. Like Kidsparade 2000, Kidsparade 2001 will serve as a public stage, on which thousands of European children will have the opportunity to make their voices heard and demand action for their rights.

The Kidsparade is organized by the independent association Festival for Children's Rights in cooperation with Kinderfreunde Upper Austria. Together with Kinderfreunde, Austria's biggest family-organization for children and parents, the Festival for children's rights will serve as a forum and as an open platform for all youth. The Kidsparade doesn't only speak out in favor for the children's rights, it also organizes artistic and cultural activities that support children's rights.