On the occasion of World Children's Day, the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein invited four children and young people to attend the government meeting on November 21, 2023.
The young citizens of Liechtenstein reported on their experiences in the Youth Session and in Schaan Participation Projects and entered into dialog with the government. The visit was organized in cooperation with UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child defines children aged 18 and younger as independent legal persons and guarantees them special rights. Liechtenstein ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995. UNICEF’s aim is that children and young people are not only protected, but also heard and taken seriously in all decisions that concern them.
In the spirit of the right to participation, the government invited four young people to attend a government meeting. Kim (18) and Laurin (16) reported on the Youth Session in which both took part this year. Julia (11) and Roberto (10) reported on Schaan Participation Projects in which they actively participated. The ensuing discussion between the young people and the government officials was lively and inspiring.
“Young people are part of our society and we must include them. When we enter into dialog with one another, that is a win for us all,” said Prime Minister Daniel Risch. “As the Youth Session and the Schaan Participation Projects show, young people have innovative ideas for our country which we will gladly take up and further develop if possible. I am pleased that these young people were here today and were actively involved.”
The government set an important example by inviting their young compatriots, demonstrating that it stands up for the implementation of children’s rights.
Bettina Junker, Executive Director of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein: “With the Children and Youth Act, Liechtenstein has created a foundation, exemplary by international standards, to push ahead with the implementation of children’s rights. We are pleased that the government of Liechtenstein takes the involvement of children and young people at the community and national level seriously and continues to implement it – including outside of existing participation structures.”
