With the goal of improving the Ethical Code of Research with and about Children and ensuring that the voices of children and young people are included in the process, a three-day workshop was organized in Sarajevo, bringing together 37 representatives from 19 youth associations and informal groups from 16 communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the workshop, participants discussed the core principles of the Ethical Code and important topics such as gender equality, social inclusion, and the prevention of violence against children and youth. Participants actively contributed to drafting a child-friendly version of the Ethical Code, which they will share with members of their associations and informal groups through small discussion sessions.
Based on the results of these consultations, a final child-friendly version of the Ethical Code will be created as an annex to the revised Ethical Code, which was developed in consultation with professionals in the field of children’s rights.
The Ethical Code is a binding document for individuals, groups, institutions, and bodies directly involved in research that involves children, either as subjects or participants in any way. All researchers are obligated to respect the Code, starting from the fundamental principle of the “best interests of the child,” prioritizing the child’s well-being and what is best for the child and their family/guardians.
The provisions of the Ethical Code uphold:
- the child’s right to make decisions about their participation in research,
- their informed consent to participate,
- their own opinion on the research,
- the right to withdraw at any time,
- the protection of the child’s identity, and that of their family and community,
- and clearly define the conditions under which access to research results can be granted.
This workshop represents a meaningful step toward ethical, inclusive, and child-centered research practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina
