Implementing the right of the child to participation in Estonia

Estonian guidelines for implementing children’s right to participate, with 10 principles, tools, and good practices to ensure meaningful and safe involvement in decision-making.

The resource presents a comprehensive framework to translate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 12, into practice. Developed by the Estonian Union for Child Welfare with ministries, experts, and youth ambassadors, it sets out the benefits of participation, the 10 principles, and practical checklists. The guide applies the Lundy model and compiles national and Nordic best practices. A second section addresses child protection work, offering legal bases, tools, and recommendations to integrate children’s voices systematically into case management. The handbook’s goal is to move participation from formality to meaningful impact on policies, services, and children’s lives.

Source: MTÜ Lastekaitse Liit
Language: Estonian

Author: Helen Saarnik, Anneli Valner

Year of publication: 2025