Every child's right to be heared A resource guide on the UN committee on the rights of the child general comment no.12

Every child’s right to express their views and have them taken seriously is enshrined in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

However, despite many positive examples – some of which are referred to in this guide – most children are not included in discussions about issues that affect them.

This resource guide is a companion document to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment no 12 on ’Children’s right to be heard’.

It outlines their obligations to listen to children, and advises governments, NGOs, policy-makers and international agencies on how to include children’s views and opinions.