Youth speak up at UNICEF

On October 15, 2009, Plan International, Save the Children and War Child Holland came together to offer six young people from around the world the opportunity to share their experiences of participation in decision making and advocacy with representatives from Permanent Missions to the United Nations.

The event was hosted by UNICEF in New York along with the UN Missions Belize, Uruguay, Sweden and the Czech Republic. It was moderated by former child soldier, author, and UNICEF Advocate for Children Affected by War Ishmael Beah.

The panel of young people was asked to share with adult decision makers what child participation has been for them, the results they achieved, and why they and other children should be part of decision making at all levels. Sweden and Uruguay are drafting the 2009 Children’s Rights Resolution for the UN General Assembly focusing this year on child participation. This event allowed children a voice in that resolution and its call to action.

Two YUGA members share their experiences on the panel

Allegra, age 17, and Arisa, age 16, are two YUGA members who had the opportunity to be a part of the presenting youth panel. Follow the links below to learn more about their experiences:

Common interests empower youth to speak up
Allegra, age 17: “Six youth from all around the world coming together for one cause was truly empowering to me.”

Youth share their views on child participation
Arisa, age 16: “We were told that it was our event, that everything was in our hands, that we were the experts… We were going to share exactly how we felt, our experiences, our opinions, and what we want from adults, to some of the most powerful adults in the world!”