Children are citizens with an important part to play in our society and communities.
Child Participation
Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have the right to participate in decision-making processes that may be relevant in their lives and to influence decisions taken in their regard—within the family, the school or the community. The principle affirms that children are full-fledged persons who have the right to express their views in all matters affecting them and requires that those views be heard and given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity.
The Child Friendly Cities initiative is a global effort to raise healthy, educated and participating children and youth. Children don’t vote and have no electoral influence, yet they have a major stake in the future of the city they live in. They must have a say in where and how they live, learn, grow and play.
Child Participation For A Child Friendly City
It is important that local authorities and communities are educated about child rights and actively solicit the views of children when making decisions about the future of a city. A Child Friendly City ensures that children are integral to planning, with their experiences and opinions helping shape city and community plans.
“The Smart Cities Initiative must hear the aspirations of the children who live in an insalubrious environment. If we include children in urban governance right from the beginning of formulating any Detailed Project Reports, then surely their dreams to live in a clean and hygienic neighborhood will be a reality,” Isidore Phillips, Director, Divya Disha
Divya Disha is committed to child participation in the process of making communities and cities child-friendly. Divya Disha has by training Child Leaders and Child Journalists empowered the children from the urban slums of Hyderabad to voice their ideas and opinions to create a safe and healthy environment in their community.
Listen to one of our Child Leaders speak on the occasion of Children’s Day.
1 Comment
Universal Childrens Day 2016 #childrights - Divya Disha · November 20, 2016 at 10:47 am
[…] Universal Children’s Day offers each of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for Children. […]
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