Standing Up For Ourselves. A Study on the Concepts and Practices of the Young People's Rights to Participation

ECPAT International Young People's Action against Sexual Exploitation of Children offers this book to all committed to young people's participation. The book highlights the efforts of young people in addressing the issues that affect their lives. Insights from their experiences show us the forms of participation and the circumstances in which they are able to act and make a significant contribution to their own development as well as to the development of the community. Their experiences illustrate the process they need to undergo in order to participate. These experiences also identify the methods that facilitate their expression, stimulate and challenge their current competencies. This book traces the development of the concept of participation in history. It illustrates the significance of current perception of children and their capacities, the cultural and societal values, and the interrelation of different socioeconomic and political factors that affect young people's participation. This book also looks at efforts around the world to integrate and enhance young people's participation into program design, implementation and evaluation. !t studies in more detail attempts of governments and nongovernment organizations to enlist the participation of young people in efforts to combat commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Much still needs to be done. The challenge for us is to continue working and learning with young people in creating an environment where they can effectively participate.