The Participation Disc

Over twenty years after the adoption of the un Convention on the Rights of the Child, child participation and the child’s right to participate still remain subjects of discussion and interpretation. This article aims to examine critically the notion of “participation” through a literature analysis that cuts across several academic disciplines. A framework for understanding participation is proposed in the form of a participation disc . the crc is critically examined against the background of this participation disc. The significance to be attached to the crc participation rights will be ascertained with a particular focus on Article 12. An assessment, by means of a theoretical review, leads to the conclusion that enacting the participation rights in the crc is a result of a casuistic and fragmentary approach to participation rather than a well-considered view of participation. Therefore, a certain vigilance is required when interpreting, implementing and monitoring crc participation rights.