CHILD PARTICIPATION

BCN has an objective of promoting child participation in communities by strengthening children’s committee or representatives (Children’s Voice) from community to national level to move from passive to active leaders (influencers).

Child participation can be defined as children (individually and/or collectively) engaging with opportunities to form and express their views and to influence matters that concern them directly and indirectly. Meaningful participation involves a transfer of power from adults to children, which transforms the status of children from passive recipients to active agents, who are informed and able to influence decisions affecting their lives.

Participation thus requires information sharing and dialogue between children and adults based on mutual respect, and demands that full consideration of children’s views is given, taking into account their age and maturity. From a rights perspective, there are strong arguments for the participation of children in the governance of their cities, towns and villages. While child participation is a right in itself, it also leads to the realization of other rights.

Child participation is one of the core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which asserts that children and young people have the right to freely express their views and that there is an obligation to listen to children’s views and to facilitate their participation in all matters affecting them.

Why do adults need to involve children in the decision-making process?

Involving children in decision-making means they can influence some of the things that affect them, and offer a different perspective from adults. It helps adults understand children’s issues, helps make sure policies and services are in tune with children’s needs, and acknowledges children’s important role in society.