The National Council for Children

The National Council for Children are experts in children’s rights and child participation

The National Council for Children is a national council, which is politically and economically independent. The Council consists of a chair and eight members.

We are experts in children’s rights and child participation. We work to ensure children’s rights in Denmark in accordance with The Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention stipulates that consideration of the child’s best interests are always the top priority. It furthermore establishes that children must always participate and be included in accordance with their age and maturity, when decisions are made which have consequences for the child. It is the Councils mission to monitor and determine whether these and other articles of the Convention are being followed in Denmark.

The National Council for Children is an advocate for children. We collect data and knowledge concerning the general welfare of children, and engages in debate regarding all aspects of children’s lives. The Council also functions as an adviser to the Danish Parliament, the Danish Government, and other central actors, who work with children and young adults. The Council also takes part in both formal and informal processes concerning legislative work.

The National Council for Children works for more and better child participation

With reference to article 12 of The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the National Council for Children works to ensure child participation in all decisions concerning aspect of children’s lives. We do that by collecting and distributing knowledge and data on child participation, methods to ensure child participation, and good examples of child participation.

Child participation is important as it gives children a strong voice and secures their rights as individuals and actors in a democratic society. When children get the experience that adults listen to them and the fact that their opinions matter, it strengthens their self-worth, engagement in society, and sense of democratic duty.

Furthermore, child participation as a concept provides valuable insights into the lives, perspectives, and experiences of children and young adults. These insights improves the legislative works, projects and policies, which affect children and in the end, it ensures better solutions.

The National Council for Children is a member of ENOC

The National Council for Children represents the Danish children’s ombud internationally and is a member of ENOC – European Network of Ombudspersons for Children. Read more about ENOC at their website.