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[13 April 2014] - The Children's Parliament will conclude the election for the period 2014-2016 on Monday in Yemen, Save the Children announced in a press release.
“More than 30,000 students from 60 schools in Yemen will participate in the election to vote for their candidate who will represent them in the Yemeni Children’s Parliament”, Save the Children said.
The election will be launched by the Ministry of Education, government representatives, INGOs, NGOs representatives and the Media.
Jerry Farrell, the Country Director of Save the Children International in Yemen stated that the Children’s Parliament election is a way in which all Children in Yemen express their right to participate and to be empowered.
“I believe strongly in the Children’s Parliament as a forum for Children and young people to make their voices heard at all levels. They will play a vital role in improving the situation for Children as future leaders in their community,” Farrell ensured.
Since 2000, The Children’s Parliament, with support from the Democratic School, held seven elections. Every two years, the Children’s Parliament holds an election which follows democratic processes in accordance with Yemeni election laws.
Save the Children has supported the Children’s Parliament over the years. In the 2010 election, the Children’s Parliament members increased from 38 children to 50 children, making it a body that represents all groups of Children in Yemen, including: boys, girls, working children, orphans, children with disabilities, and children from minorities.
The Children's Parliament is the national venue for children to voice their views on issues faced by children in Yemen, as well as working for the promotion of children’s rights.
It is one of the few opportunities for children’s voices to be heard. Through this body, they can strengthen children’s participation in decision making and advocate strongly for their fundamental rights.
They focus, in particular, on Participation, one of the basic principles of United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Children (UNCRC).
Further Information
- Read a CRIN analysis on children’s right to participate in public life