Empowering Voices. Children in decision-making process

“Empowering Voices. Should Children Play a Role in the Decision-Making Process?”

Public participation in decision-making is a growing trend across various political systems, now extending to children who are actively contributing their insights.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) serves as a pivotal framework, encompassing provision, protection, and participation to empower children1. By recognizing their individuality and perspectives, the UNCRC strives for a world where children's dignity and potential are respected. The convention's wide ratification underscores a global commitment to improving children's lives and fostering inclusive societies. Likewise, The Oviedo Convention emphasizes children's opinions about health as crucial, proportionate to their age and maturity2.

Misconceptions may arise due to divergent and inaccurate definitions of children's participation; however, its essence lies in engaging them in decision-making processes, either directly or through representatives. Meaningful participation demands accessible information, cooperative decisions, and diverse input methods like discussions, surveys, and referendums. This highlights children's right to express opinions on matters affecting them3.

Granting children decision-making involvement is not only a fundamental human right but also a wise and advantageous approach for society as a whole. Recognizing them as stakeholders in matters that impact their lives respects their dignity and contributes to their overall development4. Children utilize public services and amenities that significantly impact their well-being5. Notably, certain services, like schools and hostels, are meticulously designed to meet the specific needs of children. Meanwhile, services such as transportation and healthcare serve a considerable number of kids. By involving service users, including youths, in the planning and execution of these services it is likely to increase the probability of tailoring them to effectively meet their needs, ensuring their effectiveness and efficiency6. Children, owing to their unique perspectives, diverse experiences, and insightful viewpoints, have the capacity to enhance discussions and contribute to more comprehensive decision-making processes. Furthermore, when children's opinions are given a platform and listened to, there is the potential for improved outcomes in child protection. This approach inclusively nurtures a sense of ownership and responsibility, imparting invaluable life skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication

There is no ‘correct’ method for children’s participation, as much is influenced by political systems, political ideologies, and cultural norms. Subsequently, every nation and region will
evolve uniquely7. Nevertheless, Public officials can bolster children's engagement by evaluating presently existing frameworks and implementing participation thoughtfully: ageappropriate platforms make their voices heard effectively; cultural and political influences shape methods, with no universal approach; inclusive engagement respects core principles, allowing free expression without undue influence; tailored communication methods and genuine listening are pivotal; education equips children with rights knowledge, enhancing their contribution8.

The inclusion of children should mirror collaborative values where every voice is esteemed and equality is fostered, thus sidestepping hierarchies in interactions between youths and adults. Prioritizing issues relevant to children's lives is imperative in the participation process, necessitating the selection of topics that genuinely resonate with their experiences9.Furthermore, children's involvement should not be a fleeting event but an ongoing integration within decision-making structures across various levels.

In conclusion, millions of kids worldwide contribute to households, communities, and society at large, making their participation equitable and fair. Their right to influence matters aligns
with democratic and human rights principles. Environments valuing children's voices contribute to a more inclusive, just and forward-thinking world.

Bibliography :
1) United Nations.”Convention on the Rights of the Child.” 1989.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx
2) Council of Europe. “Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the
Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine: Convention on Human
Rights and Biomedicine.” 17.12. 1996.
3) James S. Fishkin and Peter Laslett. Democracy and Deliberation: New Directions for
Democratic Reform. Yale University Press, 1992.
4) Roger A. Hart.Children's Participation: The Theory and Practice of Involving Young
Citizens in Community Development and Environmental Care. London Routledge. 1997.
5) Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. “Not Just a Phase: a guide to the
participation of children and young people in health services.”. UK . 2010.
6) Coyne I (2008). Children’s participation in consultations and decision-making at health
service level: A review of the literature. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 45, 1682–
1689.
7) Lansdown,G.”Promoting Children’s Participation in Democratic Decision-Making".
UNICEF. Innocenti Research Centre.2001.
8)Forde, Louise, Kelleher, Deirdre, Kilkelly, Ursula, Lundy, Laura.” The Right of Children to
Participate in Public Decision-Making Processes.” Save the Children International. 2020.
9) Surrey Children’s Fund.”hearRvoice: Finding ways for Children’s Voices to be Heard”.
Surrey, England. 2010. www.surreyca.org. uk/pdfs/cf_participation_toolkit.pdf