Child participation 2012, para. 73

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Many actions have been taken and mechanisms put in place at various levels to enable children to be appropriately informed, listened to/heard and to express their views and opinions meaningfully. Public and policy decisions informed by such views have been proven to lead to better strategies, services and a more appropriate allocation of resources. Children and young people have shown that, as informed and voluntary participants, they can contribute as active advocates for change and bring innovative ideas to legislation, analysis, research, the drafting of laws, programmes and petitions, among other things. When child participation takes place in accordance with standards and child-rights principles, the active involvement of children has been proven to improve their ownership of the information and to help them to strengthen their resilience and overcome their emotional and physical scars. The examples given above confirm the numerous benefits that derive from giving children a leading role in the development of research, including the ability of children to gain access to particular locations without creating suspicion or fear on the part of the child respondents. The accuracy of the information collected also enhances the quality of specific suggestions and recommendations for improving prevention and protection services. Child-led organizations and peer initiatives empower children to fight for their own protection and that of their peers. The encouraging results notwithstanding, many challenges remain to be overcome, which the Special Rapporteur discusses below.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Governance & Rule of Law
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Youth
Year
2012
Paragraph type
Other
Paragraph number
73