The Global Campus of Human Rights South East Europe, with the great support of the Global Campus of Human Rights and Right Livelihood, proudly announces the publication of Children’s Participation in Decision-Making in the Republic of Serbia. Authored by Anita Burgund Isakov and Miona Gajić, this research explores the role of children in decision-making processes across family, school, and community levels. The publication was initiated and supported by the Global Campus South East Europe and has been published by the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Political Sciences.
Building upon the success of a previous study focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina, this research extends the analysis to Serbia, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in fostering an environment where children’s voices are actively considered. The study sheds light on how policymakers, NGOs, and institutions engage with children and work to integrate their perspectives into governance structures.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the study gathers insights from 55 children through questionnaires and eight children through focus groups. Additionally, it incorporates interviews with representatives from ten key organizations, including the Council for the Rights of the Child, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Office of the Commissioner for Protection of Equality, the Youth Council of the Ministry of Youth and Tourism of the Republic of Serbia, UNICEF Youth Office, and several NGOs dedicated to child rights and participation.
The findings highlight the persistent gaps in fully recognizing children as active participants in decision-making processes. While legal frameworks, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), have paved the way for greater youth involvement, challenges remain in ensuring meaningful engagement. The publication provides recommendations for improving child participation mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between adults and children to foster an inclusive decision-making environment.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to mainstream children’s rights across the region and advocate for the recognition of child participation as a fundamental democratic value. By supporting research and dialogue on this topic, the Global Campus of Human Rights South East Europe aims to contribute to policies that genuinely reflect the perspectives and needs of young people.
As this publication reaches policymakers, researchers, and child rights advocates, it is expected to serve as a valuable resource for improving practices related to child participation in Serbia and beyond. We look forward to seeing its impact in strengthening children’s involvement in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
To access the full publication, click here.