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Strengthening participation of children and young people with disability in advocacy

SIMMONS, Dr. Catharine
ROBINSON, Dr. Sally
October 2014

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Participation by children and young people in advocacy and change-making can not only improve and foster positive change in their own lives, but also influence the lives of others. When young people’s participation is supported, meaningful and engaged, multiple benefits accrue; their perspectives and experiences bring a unique contribution and can result in rights-based empowerment, enacted citizenship and improved relationships. This has the potential to shape policy, to increase the relevance and responsiveness of organisations they use, and to influence change in their communities in positive ways

 

However, there are significant issues and a range of barriers that discourage, prevent or actively exclude children and young people with disability from participating. A culture of low expectations, social and cultural barriers, relationship and identity difficulties and practical hurdles exist for many young people. As a result, many are precluded from participation, particularly around change-making activities

 

This paper examines how meaningful participation of children and young people with disability in advocacy and change-making can be strengthened. In the paper CDA calls for the promotion of children and young people’s participation as active and valued community members

Learning your rights : unique tool that brings human rights to life

YOUTH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS INTERNATIONAL (YHRI)
2006

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This information pack provides tools for actively pursuing human rights. It contains precise steps to raise awareness of human rights in any community. Additionally it includes a DVD of 30 public service messages illustrating each of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The DVD also features the award-winning UNITED music video - a five minute film conveying the power of human rights awareness. The 'What Are Human Rights' booklet is also included in the information package bringing the Declaration to life and making each of the rights easy to understand. This information package can be ordered directly from the website and is useful for people in development pursuing a human rights approach

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