Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide effective and useful advice on how to involve children and youth locally during a crisis. The report contains analyses based on key learnings from the Covid-19 pandemic, inspiring and promising practices, as well as knowledge-based recommendations that will support child and youth participation in local decision making. In addition, children and young people provide reflections and insights that will give you an edge in handling any future crises.
The Nordic region has a long history of promoting the rights and well-being of children and young people by emphasising their right to be heard and involved in all matters that concern them. However, the Covid-19 pandemic challenged this right.
During the pandemic, a range of restrictions and measures were implemented across the Nordic region to protect the population. Both schools and cultural and recreational centres were entirely or partially closed for extended periods and many services related to health care, welfare and assistance were less accessible. These are important arenas for the quality of life of children and young people and for the fulfilment of their rights. Many children and young people faced challenges because of the restrictions. Their right to be heard was often neglected or recognised too late.
Children and young people have the right to be heard, seen and involved in all matters that concern them. The right to participation for children, i.e. anyone under 18 years of age, is regulated by the UN Convention on The Rights of the Child. For children with disabilities, this right is also recognised in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, structures and procedures for child and youth participation in decision making are often regulated by national laws and practise. When involving children and young people in the work of the Nordic Council of Ministers, the target group are children and young people aged 0–25 and is thus somewhat more comprehensive than the UN Convention on The Rights of the Child.
This publication is authored by Tove Kjellander and Lisa Sjöblom. The analyse and recommendations are based on the results of the consultation process. We want to thank all participants who have generously shared their thoughts, reflections and knowledge. We encourage local authorities and decision makers in the Nordic region to use the recommendations in this publication and build resilient structures for child and youth participation. If a new crisis strikes, the Nordic region must ensure that the perspectives and experiences of children and youth are included in the decision-making processes.

FACTS

Guiding principles for implementing child rights
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has pointed out four guiding principles emphasising authorities' responsibilities:
Article 2: The principle of non-discrimination
Article 3: Ensure best interests of the child 
Article 6: The child's right to life and development
Article 12: The child's right to be heard

FACTS

The child’s right to express his or her views
1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.
2. For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law

FACTS

Children with disabilities
1. States Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment by children with disabilities of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children.
2. In all actions concerning children with disabilities, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.
3. States Parties shall ensure that children with disabilities have the right to express their views freely on all matters affecting them, their views being given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity, on an equal basis with other children, and to be provided with disability and age-appropriate assistance to realize that right.
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