These guidelines have been developed to enhance systematic programming and advocacy to realize adolescents’ right to be heard in matters affecting them. The guidelines provide information on the ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how-to’ of participation and civic engagement, with a specific focus on adolescents
These guidelines were developed by international child rights consultant Claire O’Kane, who worked in close collaboration with Jumana Haj-Ahmad and Fabio Friscia from the Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) Section in UNICEF Headquarters. The guidelines build on an initial document, desk review and interviews undertaken by Cristina Bacalso, and they draw on the conceptual framework for measuring outcomes of adolescent participation developed by Gerison Lansdown. These guidelines were informed by consultations with 86 adolescents (48 female, 38 male) aged 10–19 years from Indonesia, Libya, Moldova and Ukraine, who took the time to share their views, feedback and suggestions on key strategies and approaches to support their participation. Sincere thanks to each of these adolescents.
