Empowering Young Voices and Championing Children’s Rights
Young leaders in Gaziantep and Kilis advocate for children’s rights, raising awareness and inspiring their peers to make a meaningful difference.
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Who can truly advocate for a child better than a child? In a world often dominated by adult voices, young people in Gaziantep and Kilis are proving that they, too, have the power to drive change. With passion and determination, these young leaders are stepping forward to raise awareness about children’s rights and inspire their peers to take action.
“We all have the power to advocate for a better world; we simply need to acknowledge our rights, come together as young people, and take that first step together.”
Dilay, 16, Member of Kilis Youth Center and Workshop Participant
On the very first day of winter break, when many children and young people were enjoying their free time off school, 30 dedicated young leaders from the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality's Youth Advisory Board and Kilis Youth Center chose to come together for something truly impactful. They gathered with a shared purpose: to deepen their understanding of children’s rights, child rights advocacy, volunteerism, and peer support in youth workshops that would empower not just themselves, but their entire community.
Early in the morning, the workshop kicked off with young participants being introduced to the ‘Accountability for Children Advocacy for Rights (ACAR)’ Project by UNICEF Adolescent Development and Participation and Social Policy teams. They dove deep into topics such as child rights advocacy, volunteering, peer support, and networking, with a particular focus on strengthening their relationships with local structures while promoting child-sensitive planning and budgeting within municipal decision-making processes that are essential for building a child-friendly environment. Emphasizing the importance of child, adolescent, and youth participation at the local level, discussions resonated throughout the workshops, focusing on child-sensitive planning and highlighting the essential building blocks of child-friendly cities.
Young participants shared their visions for a child-friendly Gaziantep and Kilis creating a dynamic atmosphere that encouraged networking among young participants. Their vibrant ideas included traffic-free playgrounds, camping areas, sports centers, bicycle paths, psychological support centers, green spaces, art centers, venues for local cultural events like children’s theaters and festivals, and resource-filled libraries. They emphasized the need for accessible infrastructure and services designed for children with special needs and identified equal access to health, education, and other basic services as fundamental elements of a child-friendly city. They envisioned a city where children could express their ideas freely and engage in activities that celebrate their creativity and heritage.
This collaborative exchange not only inspired creativity but also strengthened their connections as they envisioned a better future together. Through group work, spirited debates, and creative thinking, these young advocates realized their power to find solutions to the issues facing their cities and to influence change. They drafted an advocacy plan to engage with municipal officials and NGOs, enhancing their capacity to advocate for children’s rights.
As the day drew to a close, the young people felt a sense of accomplishment. Each group identified specific problems they could address, found potential solutions and partners, and prepared an advocacy plan that served as a roadmap for their way forward. The workshops facilitated networking among young participants, allowing them to connect with one another and exchange ideas. Empowered to advocate for change, they were ready to take their newfound knowledge and passion back to their communities.
“Being here with young leaders has filled me with hope. We discussed so many ideas for a better future, and I believe we can turn those ideas into reality. Together, we can create spaces where every child feels safe and heard.”
Mustafa Aslan, 16, Member of Kilis Youth Center and Workshop Participant
"Listening to my peers share their stories inspired me deeply. We all have struggles, but together we can find solutions and ensure that no child's voice goes unheard.”
Ahmet, 16, Member of Kilis Youth Center and Workshop Participant
In summer 2024, as part of the 'Accountability for Children Advocacy for Rights (ACAR)' Project, the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was provided with a transformative Training of Trainers session by the Child Protection team of UNICEF, focused on children’s rights, where the young participants were empowered to raise awareness and advocate for their peers' rights.
They launched a peer-to-peer education initiative that engaged students in dynamic discussions about children’s rights and introduced resources like the Ombudsperson Institution for reporting rights violations. Through interactive activities and hands-on demonstrations, they helped their peers understand their rights and responsibilities. Their efforts not only educated students but also fostered a culture of advocacy, equipping over 160 young people with the confidence and skills needed to champion children's rights and support one another in their communities.
Through all these various initiatives, the young voices of Gaziantep and Kilis are growing stronger. Their journey is just beginning, but their message is clear: when young people are given the tools and opportunities to advocate for their rights, they become powerful agents of change. And with their passion, determination, and vision, they are shaping a future where every child is heard, valued, and protected.
"I used to think that advocacy was something only adults could do, but now I understand that we, as youth, have a fresh perspective and power. This workshop has taught me that our collective voices can challenge injustices and promote the rights of every child in our community."
Sude, 17, Member of Gaziantep Youth Center and Workshop Participant
The 'Accountability for Children Advocacy for Rights (ACAR)' Project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF, plays a crucial role in empowering civil society in Türkiye to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. By engaging key stakeholders and improving policies and practices, the project enhances accountability for children and strengthens advocacy for their rights.
