Unga Örnar (Young Eagles)

Unga Örnar (Young Eagles), officially Unga Örnars Riksförbund, is a Swedish religiously and politically independent children and youth organisation. Unga Örnar was founded in 7 november 1931 by the labour movement and the Swedish Social Democratic Youth League (SSU). There was a need for an organisation outside of the church that offered leisure and cultural activities for the children of the working class. In 1933, Unga Örnar broke away from the social democrats and became politically independent, whilst still sharing the labour movements' ideals of equality and solidarity. The organisation has around 6000 members and operates in all regions of Sweden.
== History ==
The predecessor of Unga Örnar were the Austrian organisation Rote Falken. In 1931 Unga Örnar had established operations nationally in Sweden. The focus was on leisure- and outdoor life and it was decided that, similar to the scout movement, Unga Örnar were to wear uniforms. However, when a law was drafted in 1933 that prohibited uniformed political organisations, this became an issue. To circumvent the law, that was directed towards nazi- and communist organisations rather than the labour movements child operations, it was decided that Unga Örnar were to be officially independent from the social democratic party, with strengthened connections to Arbetarnas Bildningsförbund (ABF).
Up until the 1960s, a uniform called the "eagle suit" was worn throughout the organisation. It was made up by a blue shirt with an embroidered eagle, a red kerchief, and an elastic band that could be green, blue, red, or white, depending on the wearers age and role. 
Unga Örnar has advocated in many issues throughout the years. An example is when they, during the 1970s, encouraged the public not to buy toys relating to war. 
In 1991, Unga Örnar and IFM–SEI organised a World camp at Himmelstalundsfältet in Norrköping, Sweden. Around 9000 people from 52 countries participated in the biggest even camp for IFM-SEI.
Unga Örnar has since 1994 advocated for the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Swedish law. In 2018 the political decision was made, and the incorporation into Swedish law was realised in January 1st 2020.
==Fundamental values==
Unga Örnar want to create a democratic, equal, and solidaric society, where all children and young people have a fun and meaningful free time where they can take their place and influence issues that affect them. They work for children's rights to an equal childhood and a free time that every child can take part of, no matter income or class. Their operations are based in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
==Participation==
The members in Unga Örnar are active in the decision-making processes of the organisation. At the congress in 2019, 89 percent of the delegates were between the age of 6-25.
Examples of activities that Unga Örnar organise are camps, democracy clubs, craft clubs, theater groups, and homework assistance. They also have park games and youth recreation centers in certain municipalities.
Unga Örnar believes that all children have the right to an equal childhood and that decision-makers in Sweden must follow the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All children and young people must be given the same opportunities regardless of who they are or where they come from. In Unga Örnar's children's manifesto, proposals are presented in seven different areas that they believe will make society better and more equal for children in Sweden and around the world. These areas are: "Equal economic conditions", "Equal school", "Equal access to leisure", "Equal and safe housing", "A humane and equal asylum policy", "Equal support measures against mental illness and disease" and "An Equal Influence".
Unga Örnar wants all children and young people to continue growing up in the sign of peace and solidarity - not in militarism.
==International==
An important part in Unga Örnar is their international operations, which in large part is done together with Olof Palme International Center. Through supporting and working together with non-profit organisations in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Palestine, Unga Örnar can contribute with international efforts for peace, democracy, social justice, and human rights.
In Sweden, Unga Örnar participate in the public debate, they believe that we live in a world where democracy is on the decline and authoritarian and extremist forces are on the rise. Together with the Olof Palme International Center, Unga Örnar is part of the counterforce needed to resist that development. Through campaigns, pitches and debate articles, Unga Örnar tries to influence public opinion.
Category:Youth organisations based in Sweden
Category:Labour movement in Sweden
Category:Organisations established in 1931