In February 2006 Save the Children (SC) members in Europe initiated a Child Participation Project (capacity building and advocacy), the aim of which is to take advantage of specific opportunities within the EU and among SC members to highlight the importance and benefits of children's participation. Activities so far include consultation with children on two key EC policy documents and the European Parliament's Report on the Rights of the Child; organisation of an online live debate with Commissioner Wallström; a training on child participation for EU officials; facilitation of children's participation in the European Parliament Hearing on the Rights of the Child; and advocating meaningful and safe children's participation with the European Commission in collaboration with the NGO Action Group on Children's Rights.
The main forthcoming priorities are children's participation in the European Forum on the Rights of the Child and the consultation on the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child.
Save the Children's Commitment to Safeguarding Children
Recent events and publications
"You could always begin by listening to us" - consultation with children and young people on the EU's forthcoming strategy on children's rights. Read more and download report here.
European Parliament Hearing on the Rights of the Child - Save the Children facilitated the participation of two girls in the European Parliament Hearing on the Rights of the Child. Georgiana (Romania) and Stine (Denmark) spoke about their experiences of participation and presented some ideas for good practice. Read their presentations here.
"Have Your Say on the future of Europe" - consultation with children and young people on the European Commission's "White Paper on a European Communication Policy". Read more here.
Live online debate in November 2006, with European Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström and children from all over Europe - To listen to the debate in one the EU's official languages click here.
Coming soon
- A training resource on children's participation based on a training for EC staff
- Forum on the Rights of the Child - children's participation in the EU Forum on the Rights of the Child