Why These Standards Matter Children and young people have the right to be heard in all matters affecting them, as enshrined in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Yet, their voices have often been underrepresented or included in tokenistic ways in global decision-making processes. These new standards address this gap by providing a clear, child-authored framework to guide organizers in creating meaningful participation opportunities that respect children’s rights and lived experiences. Developed by Children, for Children The standards were developed by a global task group of eight children and young people aged 12 to 18 from diverse backgrounds and mostly from the global south, supported by child rights organisations who met regularly online. Drawing on existing participation models such as the Lundy model and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s guidelines, the group emphasized that a “global event” is more than a single day’s activity. Meaningful participation must span the entire process—from early planning and preparation, through the event itself, to follow-up and ongoing engagement….

From July 8th to July 11th, 2024, the Asian Regional Children’s Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The purpose of the meeting was for working children across the Asian region to share their experiences and collaborate on a Regional Advocacy Plan. The meeting has seen a diverse group of CAC members from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal coming together to connect, play and learn from each other. One of the highlights of the event was a traditional Nepali dance performance that welcomed the attendees. Participants also engaged in a role play focused on child protection, an interactive way to address crucial issues. The picture above showcases an engaging aspect of the meeting, a game designed to teach participants about child protection laws in a fun and dynamic manner. Additionally, the group enjoyed singing Indian songs together, which helped to strengthen bonds among the members. The meeting’s agenda also included several creative activities: – Participants created a comic to showcase the experiences of working children. – They shared and learned about each…

We are thrilled to introduce the Harare children’s Call to Action, a powerful initiative launched by the African Regional Child Advisory Committee, a group of eighteen children from Africa and the Middle East. They came together in Harare, Zimbabwe, to discuss the issues affecting working children in their region. Through constructive discussions, they identified poverty and climate change as the top priorities needing urgent attention from their regional body, the African Union. The Call to Action is not just words on paper; it’s a commitment to making real change. The African Regional Child Advisory Committee urges leaders to listen, respond, and act urgently.

Representatives from the Children’s Advisory Committees (CAC) of Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Lebanon, and Zimbabwe met in Harare, Zimbabwe from April, 20th to April 23rd, 2024, for the African Regional CAC Meeting. This gathering was organized to foster collaboration; it served as a platform for children and youth across these countries to exchange their realities, share experiences, and brainstorm new strategies. Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted the diverse challenges faced by working children in their respective regions, offering insights into the unique circumstances each country faces. The meeting provided an opportunity for these young advocates to learn from one another, strengthening their collective resolve to address child labor and other issues that are most relevant to them, such as climate change. In addition to sharing personal experiences, the representatives engaged in advocacy planning sessions aimed at creating strategies that can be implemented across borders. This regional collaboration underscores the importance of a unified approach in tackling the complex issues surrounding child labor and child rights. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working together in…

From February 29th to March 4th, 2024, the Latin American Regional Children’s Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting was held in Lima, Peru. This event was the result of months of preparation, with CAC members meeting virtually to develop the program and agenda. Representatives from Peru, Guatemala and Bolivia collaborated in advance, ensuring a meaningful gathering. The meeting began with an introduction to the Dialogue Works program, where CAC members presented their initiatives from each community. This was followed by an analysis of the realities of children’s rights in each country, focusing on key issues such as education, health, and child labor. The participants worked together to identify progress and challenges in these areas, creating a platform for sharing strategies and solutions. One of the key activities was a media and advocacy workshop, where a child rights journalist provided insights on effective communication strategies. CAC members engaged in role-playing exercises and created a video to practice delivering impactful messages. The meeting also included discussions on future collaboration, where CAC members brainstormed and planned joint activities for 2024….

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Media Youth Group, an initiative to empower working children through media. This new group will play a crucial role in amplifying their voices through the social media channels of Dialogue Works. The Media Youth Group aims to use the power of social media to advocate for the rights of working children. The initiative includes a diverse team of children from Latin America, Africa and Asia, ensuring a wide range of perspectives and experiences. These young media advocates will be actively involved in creating and sharing content that highlights their stories and the challenges they face. In its first phase, the Media Youth Group will participate in intensive media training, focusing on communication skills, digital safety, and advocacy techniques. This training will equip them with the tools needed to effectively engage with social media, produce compelling content, and contribute to meaningful conversations about child labor. The group will also guide our media strategies, helping to shape campaigns and outreach efforts. By representing their peers and sharing their…