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 Child’s Rights

Respecting children’s views is a core belief of Child’s Voice Project and the essence of our commitment to creating a world where every child is heard.

We consider hearing from children and having their perspectives on decisions that impact their lives to be of paramount importance.  We know that listening to children is not only developmentally beneficial, it is also a matter of human rights.

Our work is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international human rights treaty that affirms children’s rights by virtue of their humanity. Adopted in 1989, the Convention reshaped global understanding of children not as property or passive recipients of care, but as individuals with rights, dignity, and agency.

Article 12 of the Convention, Respect for Children's Views, is especially foundational to our work. It affirms that:

  • Children have the right to freely express their views on issues that affect them.
  • Adults have a responsibility to listen to children, and take their views seriously.
  • Children’s input should be given due weight in accordance with their age and development.

While the United States has not ratified the Convention, its principles serve as an important guidepost for child-centered practice. At Child’s Voice Project, we choose to hold ourselves accountable to these standards by embedding child’s rights into how we listen, how we engage, and how we advocate.

Recommended reading: The Children’s Version of the Convention on the Rights of the Child