Tool 1: An Introductory Guide for Civil Society

This is the first tool in the How to Analyze, Track and Influence Public Budgets for Children’s Rights Guidance series. It provides an introduction to child rights public budgeting and is designed for civil society organizations and practitioners with little or no prior knowledge of public finance. The guide explains the foundations of child rights budget analysis, introduces key public finance concepts and the budget cycle, and highlights the role of budget analysis in promoting accountability and better investment in children. It serves as the starting point for the series and prepares readers for the more technical analysis and advocacy guidance presented in Tools 2 and 3.