Mapping child-led initiatives

Promoting the role of children as agents of change:

The work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children is based on a holistic and child-rights centered approach that emphasizes the role of children as agents of change and their capacity for leadership in building a world free from violence. As such, child participation is one of the key strategic priority areas that respond to the overall vision that, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children be considered by governments and relevant decision makers as key players in decision-making processes related to violence and protection.
 
As part of the mandate’s goal to promote meaningful participation, amplify children’s voices and actions and leave no one behind, the Special Representative took forward a mapping exercise to understand how children are taking part in today’s world, contributing with their views and solutions, and being actors of positive change.

Children are increasingly being considered partners by decision-makers:

They’re taking action by becoming informed and involved in issues that affect them and informing decision makers.
They’re coming up with recommendations while demonstrating profound knowledge regarding the issues that affect them.
They’re leading advocacy actions, and child-led research.
In times of COVID-19, they’re raising awareness and helping bridge essential services, including violence reporting.
They’re connecting with decision makers and adult experts, and more importantly, there is an exchange of knowledge and experience through rich and valuable intergenerational dialogues.
 

Children are working with other children, creating collective actions and support systems:

Children are connecting with other children and are especially suited to reach those hardest to reach.
Through their networks they are in permanent contact with each other and are particularly skillful in reaching their peers in times when on-the-field presence and access to services are limited.
They’re mentoring and helping train their peer.
They’re supporting and reaching out to one another, helping prevent violence, and providing support and reporting referrals.
Children are aware of other children’s needs, and they’re willing and able to support them.
                                      In times of COVID-19 Children have become aware of the effects of isolation and lockdown, and are taking actions to address their own needs and their peers’.