Participation is one of the four core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As such, it is intrinsically intertwined with the other principles of non-discrimination, the right to survival and development, and the best interests of the child. The work of the Special Representative is based on a holistic and child-rights-centred approach that emphasizes the role of children as agents of change and their capacity to be equal partners in realizing their right to live free from violence.

With her strong belief in children’s agencies, child participation is one of the three strategic priorities of the Special Representative. A specific goal is to help build bridges between two key sets of stakeholders: Governments and other policymakers, and children so that the lived experiences of the latter become an integral part of all decision-making processes addressing violence against children.