All Children Deserve a Voice: UN Article 12
'Children have the right to give their opinions freely on issues that affect them. Adults should listen and take children seriously.'
If you're a teenager involved in youth participation at Young Epilepsy, you already know how important it is to have a voice and advocate for yourself and others with epilepsy. But did you know that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) has a specific article that gives you the right to participate in decisions that affect you and your community?
UNCRC article 12 states that every child has the right to express their views, have those views taken seriously, and participate in decisions that affect them. This means that as a teenager with epilepsy, you have the right to be heard and have your opinions considered when it comes to issues that affect your health and wellbeing.
Being involved in youth participation at Young Epilepsy is a great way to exercise your right to participate. By sharing your experiences and ideas, you can help shape policies and practices that improve the lives of young people with epilepsy. You can also help raise awareness about epilepsy and reduce stigma around the condition.
If you're involved in youth participation at Young Epilepsy, you're already on the right track to exercising your right to participate. But don't stop there - keep learning, keep advocating, and keep working towards a world where the voices of young people with epilepsy are heard and valued. Together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.
If you're not involved in our Youth Voice Network at Young Epilepsy but would like to have your voice heard and influence decisions, you can apply to become a Young Supporter here.
'Epilepsy makes you feel powerless, feeling confident enough to speak up is incredible and should always be encouraged and praised. It takes real strength.'
'Young people need to be listened to about everything, no matter how small, so that they feel able to speak up for the bigger things'.
'Children shouldn't feel like that are getting brushed under the carpet on issues that are important to them.'