Only genuine representation can lead to genuine participation – listen to us, involve us – that is how change happens.
The year 2025 continued the tradition of the Children's Rights Days international conference series, which focused on one of the most pressing issues, namely ensuring that children's voices are not only formally recognized, but also genuinely represented and meaningfully involved in decision-making processes for all stakeholders. The key message, "Only genuine representation can lead to genuine participation – Listen to us, involve us – that's how change happens," highlighted the crucial role of communication and the human factor in the justice system and child protection systems, where the voices of the youngest are often pushed into the background. The conference explored how professionals, institutions, and legal systems can create an environment where children's rights are realized through genuine and meaningful representation and inclusive processes.
The conference focused on three main themes, all related to the importance of communication and the active participation of children. The professional contribution centered on thematic panels related to the ICCR LL.M program, whose curriculum focused on child protection systems, child-friendly justice, and interdisciplinary and child-friendly communication.
This year's "best practices" panel featured Croatia as a guest speaker, where renowned Croatian scientists and experts presented reforms and best practices in the areas of social welfare, family courts, special guardianship, and youth participation, with a particular focus on the Academy of Social Welfare.
In keeping with the tradition of previous years, the active participation of children was ensured through roundtable discussions and an exhibition accompanying the scientific discourse. Thanks to these elements, CRD IV served as a unique professional and interdisciplinary forum for promoting knowledge, practice, and cooperation in the field of children's rights, while ensuring that children's opinions were heard and respected.
The "Children's Rights Days 4" conference was preceded by the "Central European Child Participation Platform," which aimed to bridge the gap between the decisions of adult policymakers and the honest opinions of children on issues affecting them.
Details of the "Central European Child Participation Platform" event were available by clicking on the button below.
Photo: CEA Press
*The event is private and by invitation only.
