{"id":26261,"date":"2024-12-26T15:08:36","date_gmt":"2024-12-26T07:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v3\/?p=26261"},"modified":"2025-01-16T15:13:29","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T07:13:29","slug":"childrens-council-a-crucial-step-towards-child-friendly-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v4\/2024\/12\/26\/childrens-council-a-crucial-step-towards-child-friendly-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"Children\u2019s Council a Crucial Step Towards Child-Friendly Cities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Part and parcel of implementing the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) is the establishment of a child or youth council, which tends to consist of individuals aged 18 and below within the jurisdiction of participating local authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a way of enabling children to be involved actively in the development of their cities and communities. The United Nations Children\u2019s Fund (UNICEF) notes<\/a> that their participation matters for it is their fundamental right to express their opinions on matters related to their well-being, receive information, and take part in decision-making processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engaging children in discussions about their lives is also essential for adult stakeholders to develop and implement more relevant, sustainable and inclusive programmes, services, policies and practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of great significance, giving children the right and space to voice their thoughts can protect them against discrimination, violence, exploitation and injustice they may face in abusive environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially for adolescents, empowering them through participatory opportunities can enhance their skills and relationships within their communities; at the same time, providing adult stakeholders the opportunity to gain insights from observing their growth, subsequently enriching their own experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, involving children in development planning and implementation by local governments can promote their understanding of democracy and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMoreover, when well executed, child participation at the school, community and municipality levels is especially important because it allows all children from different walks of life to reflect on and influence decisions affecting them,\u201d UNICEF adds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Far more than achieving the child friendly city status, local governments need to support effective child participation to better formulate an inclusive and sustainable urban development. Photo by Tron Le on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

However, the organisation points out<\/a> that guaranteeing their effective participation involves considering a wide range of factors, primarily incorporating three dimensions of participation: Process, Quality and Levels of Participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In essence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n