Participation is protection – embedding children’s rights in Nordic crisis governance

The pandemic exposed critical shortcomings in the Nordic region’s ability to uphold children’s rights and especially their right to be heard and involved in decisions affecting them. Children and young people were largely excluded from decision-making processes, particularly in situations requiring swift government action. When their views were sought, it was often too late to influence decisions already made. Moreover, the adults or officials they engaged with frequently lacked the authority to advocate effectively on their behalf. This reflects a broader systemic issue: a lack of preparedness, coordination, and mechanisms to ensure meaningful child participation in emergencies.

In addition to the contributions from the Nordic Ombudspersons for Children and the legal analysis by Professor Emerita Kirsten Sandberg, this report has also been shaped by the voices of children and young people themselves. Their active participation in the final conference in Helsinki in June 2025 and at a youth workshop where young participants provided reflections, priorities, and concrete proposals have directly influenced the final recommendations presented in this report. Their insights serve as a powerful reminder that children and young people are not only rights-holders, but also essential contributors to shaping policies that affect their lives – especially in times of crisis.

The findings underscore the urgent need for more systematic and binding Nordic cooperation on children’s rights. Such collaboration must be rooted in shared principles, supported by long-term structures for participation, and driven by the exchange of good – and when possible, best – practices that are rigorously evaluated. Only through coordinated and sustained efforts can the Nordic region ensure that children’s voices are both heard and meaningfully influence the decisions that shape their lives at all times.