Children in Central Europe face diverse challenges: social inequalities, digital risks, migration, war-related traumas present in the region, and persistent barriers that hinder their meaningful participation in decision-making. Although, in theory, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) guaranteed children the right to be heard in all matters affecting them (Article 12), in practice, the situation in the region remained fragmented and inconsistent.
At the same time, many families and institutions in Central Europe are rooted in Christian and conservative traditions, which regard the family as the primary setting for upbringing, emphasize the dignity of every child as a being created in the image of God, and highlight the importance of community solidarity and responsibility. This platform aimed to build a bridge between international child rights standards and these deeply rooted values, ensuring that children’s participation was not only a legal obligation but also a lived practice based on respect, responsibility, and care.
To amplify the voices of children living in the region, a workshop was held on December 1, 2025, under the framework of the Central European Child Participation Platform, with children at the center. The event aimed to bridge the gap between adult political decision-makers’ choices and children’s honest opinions on matters affecting them.
The “Central European Child Participation Platform” preceded the “Child Rights Days 4” conference. The conference focused on three main themes, each related to the importance of communication and active participation of children.
Details of the “Child Rights Days 4” event were available by clicking the button below.
Photo: CEA Press
*The event is private and by invitation only.
