The Right of Children to Participate in the Public Decision-Making Process Report

Children have the right to participate in decision-making that affects them. In addition, much can be gained by ensuring children can make their voices heard in public decision-making processes. Children’s participation presents an important opportunity for states to consider the views, needs, rights and wishes of children in developing policy that has a significant impact on children’s lives.

This report aims to document international learning on ways to support and encourage children’s participation in public decision‑making processes at local, national and international levels. It discusses the variety of such approaches used around the world and aims to show ways that children’s participation can be made more effective. Key successes achieved by children participating in these processes are highlighted, along with the key learning and challenges encountered.

Drawing on the experience of stakeholders that support children’s participation, and on the experiences of children themselves, the report identifies the key factors that states need to take into account when establishing mechanisms and structures to facilitate children’s participation in public decision-making.

In particular, the report takes account of the experience of over 20 Save the Children country offices in identifying the building blocks that are key to establishing and developing effective platforms for all children, particularly those from marginalised and excluded groups, to participate fully in public decision-making.