Child Participation is the Game Changer

The old expression “children should be seen and not heard” suggests that, not long ago, children’s opinions and wishes were not welcomed or valued. Important discussions had to be left to adults. Today, thanks to the amazing work of children and civil society organisations supporting child participation, we know that children are not only capable of understanding complex situations, they are also able to trigger important actions and movements to improve the world. Since coming into force over 30 years ago, Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has affirmed children’s right to express their views on all matters that affect them, and to have these properly taken into account.

Article 12 introduced into international human rights law for the first time, recognition of children’s entitlement and capacity to influence actions and decisions that affect them. It introduces an obligation to transform the status of children in relation to adults both at the individual and the collective levels. It challenges the idea that children are simply objects of adult protection.

Children value being heard by adults regarding the challenges they are facing, and adults need to hear them and to provide the right responses; children’s first-hand experience on the issues hindering the enjoyment of their right to participate is the most insightful evidence that policy makers dispose of to guide their work. At the same time, children do not want to be heard only when it comes to solving problems. They want to be part of the solution, the developments and projects from the very start. Children have proven to be powerful agents of change strengthening society’s protection systems, if given the opportunity. Consulting with children and listening to their views adds new perspectives in developing policies and programmes that have an impact on children. Children are less cynical, more optimistic and more flexible in their approach to the future and capacity for change.