- Why do you think that children's participation rights matter?
Children's participation rights are important because children have the capabilities to participate in matters that pertain to them. Adult decision makers often regard children as immature and incapable of insightful and intelligent thoughts which silences the voice of the child. Only children can tell us their experiences and they deserve to have their input seriously considered.
2. How does the inclusion of children's participation in the UNCRC implicate States Parties that have ratified the treaty?
Counties that have ratified the UNCRC have legal obligation to ensure that the inclusion of children's participation is upheld in matters that pertain to them. With this being said, it is not always the case that children are given their rights to participation. While it is technically legal obligation, not many adults give children the opportunity to voice their opinions and have them be taken seriously.
3. What do children's participation rights have to do with citizenship and democratic processes that are inclusive and empowering?
Children are not always viewed as equal autonomous members of society with the same degree of citizenship as adults. Children's participation rights is an important part to their citizenship which is a way to give them autonomy through the empowerment of having their voice heard and taken seriously. Allowing children to be involved in democratic practice gives them the opportunity to know and understand their rights and be involved in matters that pertain to them.