Every child has the right to a voice and a say in matters that affect them. They must also have their views taken seriously – according to their age and maturity.
UNICEF works with children, not just for them, both in our own work and by encouraging the involvement of children and young people in decisions that affect them. Children will have to deal with the consequences of the decisions adults make today on issues such as HIV and AIDS, climate change and poverty, so it is important that their views be considered by decision-makers.
We created the Junior 8 summit (J8), a young person’s version of the annual G8 summit. The J8 gives young people from both G8 and non-G8 countries the opportunity to come together to discuss how they could change the world for the better.
Ahead of the Copenhagen Climate summit in 2009, UNICEF and the City of Copenhagen hosted the Children’s Climate Forum, giving young people a voice in the global climate change debate and an opportunity to influence decision-makers.
UNICEF recognises that if we listen to young people we can create better, more relevant and more long-lasting programmes and policies, meaning we can better protect all their other rights. In 15 countries around the world, for instance, UNICEF has involved young people as researchers, programme designers and communicators in the Right to Know initiative to help young people make informed decisions about how to prevent HIV infections.
We reach out to the children whose voices are most likely to go unheard and provide opportunities for them to express their views freely. We support programmes such as photo workshops and child-to-child radio programmes so children and young people can express themselves on issues that affect them.
Here on Tagd, you can find out about your rights and express your views on issues you care about.