Redefining Power: Strengthening the Rights of the Child

This report, made by children and for children, showcases the highlights of the conference on the 30th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

To celebrate the Mid-Term Evaluation of the Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2016-2021), the Council of Europe organised a conference on the framework of the French Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France on 13-14 November 2019. Eurochild was contracted by the Children’s Rights Division of the Council of Europe to organise, coordinate and implement the participation of children the conference. 

Children participated in consultations which were reported at the event and a delegation of 10-12 children aged 10-17 attended the conference. This report was created by the children in attendance, for children. It uses child-friendly language and includes quotes from children who were directly participation. 

Key Recommendations for the Strategy for Children’s Rights:

• Political Participation supported by a lower voting age that includes children.

• Civic Participation supported by more opportunities for children to voice their opinions and discuss issues that   concern them. A greater focus on countries where few opportunities exist to speak about, and contribute to, big   decisions. 

• Critical education for children so they can think, discuss  without political bias and decide for themselves what is  right and wrong. Education on politics and children’s rights but also more participation in deciding what education   should be about

Read the report here