Foreword

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become evident that most of the measures to prevent the spread of the virus were implemented by decision-makers without consulting or listening to children and youth. This is a violation of children’s rights, and consequently some of the measures seriously impacted children and youth. 

This report gives voice to Nordic youth. You can listen to a series of filmed interviews in which youth share their reflections on the pandemic and their right to be heard in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 12.

The aim of the Nordic Welfare Centre is to contribute to increased co-operation and knowledge on the wellbeing of children and youth in the Nordic region. From 2021–2024, the Nordic Welfare Centre is giving priority to a project that explores the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and children and young people’s right to be heard in matters that concern them. The project has been commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers, and sorts under the Action Plan for 2021–2024, and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ cross-sectoral strategy for children and youth 2016–2024. The goal is for the Nordic region to become the world’s most socially sustainable and integrated region. To achieve this goal, a critical strategic measure is to ensure equal opportunities and participation for all children and youth in the Nordic region. 

The Nordic Welfare Centre invites you to listen to what youth have to say, in the interviews in this book. Their stories illustrate why decision-makers should prioritise children and youth in the decision-making process during times of crises. In the aftermath of the pandemic, it is important to recognise that even quite minor modifications could have made a huge difference for the wellbeing of many of our children and youth.