Unga Örnar has been around for over a hundred years. Our history begins in a time when children’s living conditions were completely different from today, when poverty, overcrowding, and lack of leisure time characterized many children’s everyday lives. Then, as now, there was a strong conviction behind the movement: all children have the right to a safe childhood, community, and the opportunity to grow as people and citizens.
The organization grew out of the labor movement and the popular education tradition, in a time when the struggle for democracy and equality was far from obvious. Unga Örnar became a place where children could get away from the limitations of everyday life, meet across class boundaries, and experience nature, culture, and community. Camps, excursions, and local activities were not just fun elements, but a way to give children access to what was otherwise reserved for a select few.
Over the decades, society has changed, but Unga Örnar’s basic idea has remained firm. When welfare was expanded, when the Convention on the Rights of the Child took shape, and when new injustices emerged, we have been there and adapted our activities to children’s reality. We have always combined play and seriousness: leisure and commitment, community and social impact.
Our history is also the story of generations of children, young people, and volunteer leaders who together have shaped the organization. They have learned democracy by practicing it, taking responsibility, speaking out, and standing up for each other. It is a legacy of optimism, solidarity, and initiative that still permeates everything we do.
Today, Unga Örnar stands firmly in its history, but with its sights set on the future. The world looks different than it did a hundred years ago, but the need for safe contexts, equal conditions, and children’s voices is at least as great. Our history reminds us why we exist – and gives us the strength to continue fighting for a childhood where all children have a place.
Early 20th century
Within the labour movement, the Storytime Movement emerged as an organised form of activity for children. Storytime sessions gave children access to reading aloud, community and culture. This tradition of popular education became an important starting point for organised children’s participation.
Early 20th century
Within the labour movement, the Storytime Movement emerged as an organised form of activity for children. Storytime sessions gave children access to reading aloud, community and culture. This tradition of popular education became an important starting point for organised children’s participation.
7 november 1931
Unga Örnar is officially founded as a children’s and youth organisation within the labour movement, inspired by Rote Falken. The focus is on leisure and cultural activities, with democracy, solidarity and equality at the centre.
1933
A law banning uniformed political organisations leads Unga Örnar to become politically independent in 1933, while retaining its values rooted in the labour movement.
1937-1938
Study circles and popular education activities grow in cooperation with ABF. In 1938, age groups are introduced: Solörnar (ages 5–8), Örnungar (ages 9–11) and Unga Örnar (ages 12–15).
1930-1960
Members wear the Eagle uniform, with a blue shirt and red neckerchief, as a symbol of community. A special Eagle-law provides guidance on how members should treat one another.
1943
The National Organisation of Unga Örnar’s Friends is founded as a support organisation, providing voluntary, financial and advocacy support to Unga Örnar and its activities across Sweden.
1969
The Congress replaces the flying eagle with a new symbol: four children in a circle, already established within IFM-SEI.
1972
Advocacy campaigns promote clear messages of peace and encourage people not to buy war toys. This is part of a broader commitment to challenging the militarisation of children’s culture.
1991
Together with IFM-SEI, Unga Örnar organises an international camp in Norrköping. Around 9,000 participants from 52 countries take part, making it the largest camp in IFM-SEI’s history.
1990s–2000s
Unga Örnar strengthens its work on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and, from 1994, campaigns for it to become Swedish law. International partnerships and projects also grow, including cooperation with the Olof Palme International Center.
1 january 2020
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child becomes Swedish law after decades of advocacy. It marks an important milestone in Unga Örnar’s long-term work for children’s rights.
2025
At the 2025 Congress, Unga Örnar adopts a new Children’s Manifesto and an Environmental and Climate Programme for 2025–2028, focusing on sustainability and children’s future living conditions.
