The Nine Basic Requirements for Meaningful and Ethical Children’s Participation

The Nine Basic Requirements for Meaningful and Ethical Child Participation is a key tool for ensuring quality child participation in any initiative with children. They are built on a foundation of what children have shared with adults over many years and we are truly thrilled to share this latest version with you. Presented in an easy to read colorful format, the resource includes checklists and simple tools for easy access and use.

Our journey to develop this resource started in the early 2000s and has grown and evolved over almost two decades. Our efforts have involved trial and error as well as deep learning and reflection. None of it would have been possible without the support from hundreds (if not thousands) of dear friends, colleagues, partners and of course children. Our sincere hope is that the Basic Requirements will serve as an opportunity to advance children’s participation rights in all settings and decision making processes affecting children.

“Forms and formats, usually developed by adult logic and perspective, must be re-thought so that girls and boys can be active protagonists of our societies… For us to achieve this, we must learn and free ourselves from preconceptions that currently block the presence and participation of children in our societies. These nine steps for children’s participation is a good text which guides our actions, the processes aimed at children and helps us to create environments that promote children’s participation.” ~ Luis Pedernera, (former) Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child