Joining Forces: Children's Right to be Heard

Children have the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives but often face obstacles in having their voices heard and getting involved in meaningful ways.

The Joining Forces alliance, including SOS Children’s Villages and five other international NGOs, has launched their latest policy brief Children’s Right to be Heard: We’re Talking; Are You Listening? The brief explores the factors that inhibit children’s meaningful participation and outlines key takeaways from children on how their participation can lead to outcomes that are more meaningful and impactful.

Children who live in the most marginalized contexts are among the most underrepresented and often face extreme barriers that inhibit their participation. These children alone know the unique problems they face and therefore have the greatest potential to devise sustainable and effective solutions.

When basic quality requirements are in place, and appropriate participatory approaches are employed, children’s engagement can lead to systemic change.

This brief includes the perspectives of children and young people that were shared during a global forum to elevate children’s voices on Universal Children’s Day in November 2020.

About Joining Forces for All Children

The alliance is made up of the six largest child-focused agencies: ChildFund Alliance, Plan International, Save the Children International, SOS Children’s Villages International, Terre des Hommes International Federation, and World Vision International. The aim is to use the collective power to accelerate change to secure children their rights and end violence against them.

To read the policy brief about the Joining Forces initiative, click here.

To view corresponding video messages from the youth involved in the Joining Forces initiative, click here.

Canadians wishing to help vulnerable children are encouraged to Sponsor a Child, Sponsor a Village or make a Donation today to our COVID-19 response.