The Right to Participation - to expression, information, thought and religion.

Article 12 of the Convention on the Right the Child states that children have the right to participate in decision making process that may be relevant in their lives and to influence decision taken in their regard within the family , the school or the community.

Respecting children’s views mean that such views should not be ignored; it does not mean that children’s opinions should be automatically endorsed. A process of dialogue and exchange need to be encouraged in which children assume increasing responsibilities and become active tolerant and democratic.

The Child’s Participation is a Right therefore children are free to express their views or if they prefer not to , this is also within their rights. Children should not be pressured nor constrained or influenced in ways that might prevent them from freely expressing their opinions or leave them feeling manipulated. This principle clearly applies in some judicial proceedings in which the child is forced to participate as a witness even if the legal outcome may contravene the child’s best interest.

The Convention sets no minimum age at which children can begin expressing their view clearly , nor does limit the context in which the children express their views. This means that parents , members of the family and teachers are expected to give appropriate direction, guidance or advice to children.

For adults as well as for children , participation is a challenging learning process and cannot be reduced to simple formality.

UNICEF also stated that the right to participation is relevant to the exercise of all other rights within the family , the school and the larger community context.

For example in case of adoption ; separation from parents ; name change ; information regarding their own health and nutrition and their own education.

The key to genuine participation is ensuring respect for children’s view. It can happen more easily in countries where democracy is well understood and has been in practice for a long time by adults.