From July 8th to July 11th, 2024, the Asian Regional Children’s Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The purpose of the meeting was for working children across the Asian region to share their experiences and collaborate on a Regional Advocacy Plan. The meeting has seen a diverse group of CAC members from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal coming together to connect, play and learn from each other. One of the highlights of the event was a traditional Nepali dance performance that welcomed the attendees. Participants also engaged in a role play focused on child protection, an interactive way to address crucial issues. The picture above showcases an engaging aspect of the meeting, a game designed to teach participants about child protection laws in a fun and dynamic manner. Additionally, the group enjoyed singing Indian songs together, which helped to strengthen bonds among the members. The meeting’s agenda also included several creative activities: – Participants created a comic to showcase the experiences of working children. – They shared and learned about each …

We are thrilled to introduce the Harare children’s Call to Action, a powerful initiative launched by the African Regional Child Advisory Committee, a group of eighteen children from Africa and the Middle East. They came together in Harare, Zimbabwe, to discuss the issues affecting working children in their region. Through constructive discussions, they identified poverty and climate change as the top priorities needing urgent attention from their regional body, the African Union. The Call to Action is not just words on paper; it’s a commitment to making real change. The African Regional Child Advisory Committee urges leaders to listen, respond, and act urgently.

Recently, Dialogue Works’ Child Advisory Committee (CAC) members from Bangladesh and Nepal attended a virtual meeting with children’s rights experts to talk about their experienes as working children in the Worst Forms of Child Labour (WFCL). Examples of those forms of child labour are the leather sector and the Adult Entertainment Sector (AES). The meeting between working children and children’s rights experts builds on conclusions from prior discussions, which recognised the need to consider how children’s experiences of the WFCL impact relevant policy. The meeting was a unique opportunity to hear children working in WFCL as experts by experience to gain a deeper understanding of working children’s experiences and assist in strengthening the childen’s rights experts responses and recommendations on child labour. Watch the video below to hear what our CAC members have shared in the meeting.

Representatives from the Children’s Advisory Committees (CAC) of Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Lebanon, and Zimbabwe met in Harare, Zimbabwe from April, 20th to April 23rd, 2024, for the African Regional CAC Meeting. This gathering was organized to foster collaboration; it served as a platform for children and youth across these countries to exchange their realities, share experiences, and brainstorm new strategies. Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted the diverse challenges faced by working children in their respective regions, offering insights into the unique circumstances each country faces. The meeting provided an opportunity for these young advocates to learn from one another, strengthening their collective resolve to address child labor and other issues that are most relevant to them, such as climate change. In addition to sharing personal experiences, the representatives engaged in advocacy planning sessions aimed at creating strategies that can be implemented across borders. This regional collaboration underscores the importance of a unified approach in tackling the complex issues surrounding child labor and child rights. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working together in …

From February 29th to March 4th, 2024, the Latin American Regional Children’s Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting was held in Lima, Peru. This event was the result of months of preparation, with CAC members meeting virtually to develop the program and agenda. Representatives from Peru, Guatemala and Bolivia collaborated in advance, ensuring a meaningful gathering. The meeting began with an introduction to the Dialogue Works program, where CAC members presented their initiatives from each community. This was followed by an analysis of the realities of children’s rights in each country, focusing on key issues such as education, health, and child labor. The participants worked together to identify progress and challenges in these areas, creating a platform for sharing strategies and solutions. One of the key activities was a media and advocacy workshop, where a child rights journalist provided insights on effective communication strategies. CAC members engaged in role-playing exercises and created a video to practice delivering impactful messages. The meeting also included discussions on future collaboration, where CAC members brainstormed and planned joint activities for 2024. …