“You have to talk to those who were there…” Promoting children’s participation : a case of expert meetings and groups within the ombudsman in Norway”

Abstract

The adoption in 1989 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has seen a quantum leap in the recognition of, and growth of initiatives to fulfil children’s participation rights. This article discusses findings of a study on the character, relevance and challenges facing expert meetings and groups – a primary approach by the ombudsman for children in Norway to promote their participation. While these initiatives provide a forum through which children express their views, the core elements of participation largely remain an adult monopoly. Although the ombudsman is mandated to represent the views ensuing from expert meetings and groups, there are no clear mechanisms to follow-up on and ensure their uptake by relevant authorities. We conclude that participation needs to be deliberately encouraged beyond adult constructed realms, to those natural spaces within which children routinely.