As part of the project “Connecting the Dots 2.0 – Enhancing Child Participation in Decision-Making for the Improvement of Children’s Rights and Democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, a Children and Youth Committee (hereinafter: the Committee) has been established, consisting of 23 children and young people from 21 communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Committee members were nominated by representatives of children’s and youth groups operating within associations, centers, clubs, schools, or informal groups, aged between 12 and 25. Through their participation in the Committee, they will represent their respective groups, as well as their views, opinions, and the status of children’s rights and wellbeing in their local communities.
The establishment of the Committee promotes meaningful and ethical participation of children and youth in decision-making processes that affect them and their peers. Through their involvement in the Committee, children and young people will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:
- Presenting issues, concerns, and outcomes of their work to decision-makers at all levels of government, including the Council for Children of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Participating in trainings on various thematic areas aimed at building their capacity for further community engagement (child safety, decision-making processes, advocacy and community action, use of digital and new media, gender equality and social inclusion, ethical principles in research with and about children);
- Proposing and selecting topics for webinars organized for project participants;
- Facilitating specific trainings in line with their capacities and interests;
- Engaging in direct contact through the web platform with government representatives and other institutions responsible for improving children’s rights in BiH;
- Taking part in meetings of the Council for Children of BiH;
- Participating in consultations on the revision of the Ethical Code of Research with and about Children;
- Contributing to the development of online surveys and methods for involving target groups of children and youth in research;
- Co-creating and implementing campaigns;
- Participating in events organized through the Coordination Platform, public debates, and roundtables.
By enabling children and youth to operate through the Committee, we aim to foster self-confidence, leadership, and a sense of responsibility. By directly presenting their concerns, questions, and achievements to officials at all levels of government—including the Council for Children of Bosnia and Herzegovina—we ensure that their voices are heard and considered in decision-making.
Through thematic trainings, children and youth will gain valuable knowledge and skills for continued community engagement and personal development. These activities will also offer them opportunities to connect with peers, experts, and decision-makers—potentially creating strong networks of support and collaboration.
