Introducing the Child Rights Barometer

UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, in collaboration with the East – Eastern Switzerland university of Applied Sciences, are pioneering a complete tool to assess the state of child rights: the Child Rights Barometer. This innovative instrument aims to provide regular, in-depth insights into the experiences and perspectives of children and youth themselves. Unlike traditional top-down approaches,the Barometer actively involves young people in both its growth and implementation,ensuring that their voices are central to the process.

The Crucial Role of the ChildrenS and Youth advisory Board

At the heart of this participatory approach lies the children’s and Youth Advisory Board. This board, comprised of individuals aged 12 to 15, acts as a vital feedback mechanism, providing the project team with invaluable insights and contributing their own ideas. The board typically convenes three times a year in St. Gallen, creating an open forum for any interested young person to participate and contribute. This direct engagement ensures that the Barometer truly reflects the concerns and priorities of the children it aims to serve.

For those interested in contributing, the project team can be reached at [email protected].

Shaping the Barometer: Youth Input in Action

During an initial meeting, participants engaged in collaborative activities, including assessing the most impactful areas for their involvement and providing feedback on the Barometer’s questionnaire design. A recent study by Save the Children found that children’s participation in research leads to more relevant and actionable findings. The young advisors actively discussed how to formulate questions in an accessible and understandable manner, emphasizing the importance of clarity and relevance in the survey’s design. Their suggestions are now being integrated into the ongoing development of the questionnaire, demonstrating the tangible impact of their involvement.

The Importance of Participatory research

The initial meeting underscored the critical importance of not only questioning children but also actively involving them in the research process. As the meeting demonstrated, the insights gained from direct participation are invaluable in ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of the Child Rights Barometer.The next meeting of the Children’s and Youth Advisory Board is scheduled for early summer, promising further opportunities for young people to shape the future of child rights monitoring in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The revealing suggestions and assessments of the children are now flowing into the further development of the questionnaire. The meeting has impressively showed how important it is not only to question children,but also to participate in the project in particular.