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International Journal of Educational Policy, Research, & Practice. Spring 2000, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 13-24. International Journal of Educational Policy, Research, & Practice.
Abstract:
UNICEF has undergone an evolution from needs-based to rights-based programming in its over 50 years of work on behalf of children. The Convention on the Rights of the Child specifies that children have the right to express their opinions and participate in civil society. Therefore UNICEF is exploring innovative ways of involving young people as partners in assessing, analyzing, and taking action on rights issues that affect them. The UNICEF Education for Development initiative is one approach to helping young people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become advocates for their own rights and those of others. It is making use of the Internet as a tool for promoting youth-to-youth and youth-to-policy-maker dialogue on rights issues. While youth participation and advocacy projects can provoke adult resistance, or pose actual risks, they also have a powerful role to play in implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child.