The voices of children need to be listened to because children are big assets for a nation, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga has said.

“The voices of children are often ignored. This is a big loss for development because children are big assets for the community,” she added at the opening ceremony of the 7th ASEAN Children’s Forum here on Wednesday.

According to the minister, children determine the future of a nation. For this reason, it makes sense to listen to their views, feelings, and ideas about the world for building a sustainable future for all.

“I encourage you (all) to listen to children with full attention. By listening to children, we not only fulfill their human rights but also ensure better decision-making and responsive policies for the best interests of children,” she remarked.

The Indonesian government ratified the Children’s Rights Convention a long time ago and is fully committed to ensuring the fulfillment of children’s rights, including the right to participation.

To ensure more significant involvement of children in development, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection has formed children’s forums at all levels of government, starting from villages, subdistricts, districts, cities, and provinces, to the national levels.

Currently, there are 1,694 children’s forums at the village level, 1,625 forums at the subdistrict level, 458 forums at the district and city level, and 34 forums at the provincial level.

According to the minister, through the forums, children are involved in consultation meetings and deliberations on development planning in their respective areas.

“Children’s forums also contribute actively to overcoming various problems related to children through their role as pioneers and reporters, such as for violence against children, child marriage, child labor, stunting, and the issue of smoking,” she expounded.

Source: Antara News