Children as citizens?

de Anne B. Smith

The rights of children as citizens have become an increasing focus of international attention as the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is celebrated in 2009. Entitlement to respect and recognition, opportunities for belonging and meaningful participation in society, the right to express an opinion and have it taken into account, and the fulfilment of duties to others are all key components of citizenship. This book reports on research with children and young people in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Norway, Palestine and South Africa. There were ideas they held in common - obeying the law, respecting and helping others, working hard - but it was also found that the features of different nations, whether inequality in Brazil, migration and multiculturalism in Australia, or conflict and occupation in Palestine, were reflected in how the children interpreted their rights, responsibilities and citizenship. The Childwatch International Research Network is a global, non-profit, non-governmental network of institutions engaged in research for children.