ABSTRACT
The past 20 years have witnessed a proliferation of research on child participation in general and the Article 12 CRC principle of respect for the views of the child in particular. It is clear that while much progress has been made in terms of establishing ways to promote this fundamental legal right of the child worldwide, its practical implementation has represented a major challenge, particularly in those countries where the traditional belief that children should be seen and not heard have been firmly embedded for centuries. However, this international legal commitment has also provided a welcome opportunity to begin and continue a process of positive change where children are thought about differently — where they are seen as respected members of society who actively contribute and help make the world a better place for all of us.
