Children share their experiences with the high government officials during a workshop

28 February 2023, Kutaisi, Georgia - UNICEF and a group of empowered children from Kutaisi conducted an innovative training programme on child rights for key decision-makers, with children leading the way. The workshop aimed to promote the understanding of child rights and equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become child rights advocates.

The full-day workshop was led by a group of children, students at public schools of Kutaisi, who have been actively involved in advocating for child rights with support from the Child Rights Center of the Akaki Tsereteli State University. The children shared their experiences and insights with the participants of the training, highlighting the importance of child participation and the role of children in promoting their own rights.

The workshop was attended by a diverse group of participants, including the members of the Parliament, deputy ministers, representatives of government agencies and judiciary. Participants were encouraged to share their ideas, and to develop concrete action plans for promoting child rights in their respective roles.

The programme covered various topics related to child rights, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, child protection, and child participation. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises, gaining a deeper understanding of child rights and how they can be promoted and protected.

"We are thrilled to have collaborated with this group of inspiring children to conduct this workshop on child rights," said UNICEF Representative, Ghassan Khalil. "Children, confirming they are the true rights holders, are powerful agents of change and it's important that they are given the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with those who are in charge of making decisions."

"I was deeply moved by the passion and commitment of the children who led the training," said Maka Peradze, Head of the Human Rights Secretariat of the Government of Georgia. "Their stories and experiences once again reassured me about the importance of listening to children and involving them in decisions that affect their lives."

The training concluded with a call to action, urging all participants to continue promoting and protecting child rights in their respective spheres of influence. UNICEF and the children who led the training expressed their commitment to continuing to work together to ensure that every child's rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.