World Children’s Day, celebrated on November 20, reminds us of one of the most important rights – the right of children to be heard and respected. This right is not only a moral obligation for adults but also a legal and international standard established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Yet, in practice, children’s voices often remain unheard in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives.
That is why we are implementing the project “Connecting the Dots 2.0 – Advancing Child Participation in Decision Making for Enhanced Child Rights and Democracy in B&H”, aimed at empowering children and youth to actively participate in decision-making at both local and national levels. The project is carried out by World Vision BH Foundation in partnership with the organization Naša djeca Sarajevo, with the support of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH and funding from the European Union.
Why is this important?
Children and youth are not “the future that is yet to come” – they are the present. Their experiences, ideas, and needs must be part of public policies because they know best what challenges they face in school, family, and community. When we include them in decision-making processes, we build a society that is fairer, more inclusive, and better prepared to respond to the real needs of its youngest citizens.
Unfortunately, practices show that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, mechanisms for consulting children almost do not exist or are merely symbolic. Children often participate in activities that have no real impact on decisions, which leads to a loss of trust and the feeling that their voice “doesn’t change anything.” Children from marginalized groups are particularly excluded – children with disabilities, children from rural areas, children belonging to national minorities, and children on the move.
Through this project, we want to show that child participation is not an “ornament” but the foundation of a democratic society. When children have the opportunity to express their opinions, they feel valued, develop self-confidence, and acquire skills that will make them active citizens. Their voice can drive change – it is up to us to hear them and include them.
To mark World Children’s Day, from November 17 to 20 we will publish a series of short video messages from children and youth across B&H. They will share why it is important to listen to them and involve them in decisions that shape their present and future.
Follow our posts on social media and Platform, hear what children and youth have to say, and be part of the change.
