Speak to the World

I hope our thoughts reach somewhere and that there will be a result (Young person, Estonia)

Our Speak to the World project investigated children’s views on engaging in European and international decision-making. The project was grant funded by the European Commission under the specific Fundamental Rights and Citizenship programme (2007-2013). The programme supports the development of a European society based on respect for fundamental rights, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Scroll down the page to download our overview and country reports.

The film below - in English, Estonian, German and Romanian - summarises the changes children and young people believe must happen to ensure their right to be heard and taken seriously can be upheld in European and international decision-making processes:

  1. Bridge the gap between decision-making institutions and children and young people.
  2. Make it easy for children and young people to put forward their ideas and solutions; and take these seriously.
  3. Have more commitment to participation within schools and colleges.
  4. Improve the confidence of children and young people so that they feel their views will be acted on.
  5. Identify and breakdown the barriers to involvement.
  6. Use child-friendly methods and language.
  7. Adults must show young people that their roles will not be tokenistic.
  8. Show us the results and that we are valued. 

 



Coordinated and led by CRAE, the project was undertaken between 2010 and 2011 by partners working in seven EU and non-EU Member States: Austria, Estonia, Ireland, Moldova (associate partner), Romania, Russia (associate partner) and the United Kingdom (England).

In five partner countries, national consultation events with children and young people took place between November 2010 and February 2011, involving over 500 children and young people. Other elements of the project included a Children’s guide to European and international decision making opportunities prepared by CRAE to support the consultation events; a survey of NGOs in Europe on their experiences of involving children in these processes; and a literature review. 

The investigation sought to find out:

  • Children’s current knowledge of European and international decision-making processes
  • If, and how, children are informed of opportunities to participate in European and international decision-making processes
  • Children’s expectations of involvement in European and international decision-making processes
  • Children’s desire to be involved in European and international decision-making processes
  • Children’s experiences of participation in European and international decision-making processes
  • Children’s views on the best European and international decision-making processes.


Download Speak to the World reports
Please note: country reports are held in a folder containing the overview report. Printed copies are available from project partners (contact details below)

Download guide for children and young people on European and international decision-making

Speak to the World contacts
Children's Rights Alliance for England
Children's Rights Alliance for Ireland
Estonian Union for Child Welfare
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights, Austria
Save the Children Romania