"What can be improved in the area of children's rights?" With this question, Lars Westra, vice-chair of the Children's Rights Collective , opened the discussion with children last Saturday. Next month marks the 30th anniversary of the Netherlands' signing of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. That's why the Children's Rights Collective held the meeting "A Young Look at 30 Years of Children's Rights" last Saturday.
Noud (11), a member of the Children's Stamps Panel, was also there to share his thoughts. He asked Femke Willemse, a children's rights activist and expert by experience: 'Have you ever regretted speaking out?'
Her answer: "No, not really, because you can really see it's having an effect now. Sometimes it's the way I said something, but you always learn from that for next time."
The children also worked in small groups on various themes that day, such as mental well-being, juvenile criminal law, youth care, and equal opportunities. This concluded with a discussion about youth participation. Noud learned a great deal about participation but also realized he already knew a great deal himself.
The Children's Rights Collective and State of Youth will soon launch a quick survey to gather the opinions of even more children. The results will be incorporated into a to-do list for politicians.