Listen
to our
voices
Dear EU Commissioners,
Our future is in your hands. Listen to our voices. Make them count!
— A group of child rights campaigners, members of Save the Children’s European and International Child Advisory Boards
About future
“Imagine a society where every child grows up in safety, with the opportunity to achieve their dreams. We all have a responsibility to make that vision a reality. It is no stretch to say that our future, and Europe’s future, depends on how we treat our children today.“
Ruaa, 16, Sweden
About inequalities
“Children who are ambitious, smart, or talented in sports and academics, don’t have the ability to continue just because they don’t have the right economic support. It’s not fair that they are left behind due to inequalities or poverty…
…Child poverty isn’t something you can just snap your fingers and fix. But if we start with formal education — giving children the chance to get a degree — it can really empower them to become contributing citizens. They might even help grow the economy in their state or the city they live in. So, it’s a win-win. Helping students today means helping everyone in the future.”
Bion, 16, Albania
About girls’ rights
“When we are equipped with knowledge, we are empowered to make safer and more informed choices. And when we inform entire communities, we create a society where girls are protected and supported, where harmful taboos are broken, and where everyone has a role in upholding children’s rights.“
Heart, 17, Philippines
About child rights
“ If our rights aren't heard, then the society won’t work. We are the ones who will make a great contribution to the country.“
Konstandino, 16, Albania
About climate
“Climate change is something that, if we want to avoid it, needs to be talked about a lot, and there’s a need for proper education on it. Proper education and sensitization should focus on young people through school curricula, which decision-makers can prioritize during curriculum development. For others, community sensitization using all means of communication is essential.
We should also strengthen the implementation of existing policies rather than create new ones. Policies are there, but implementation is often poor. Lastly, more investment in renewable energy is crucial to preventing natural disasters in our communities and worldwide.“
Mirriam, 17, Zambia
About listening to children
“When it comes to issues involving children, it just makes sense for children to have a voice too. I’m sure the decision-makers are really knowledgeable and have spent years studying, but sometimes people forget what it’s like to actually be a kid. Being a child today isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. To really understand the issues children face, it makes sense to involve someone who’s actually living that experience.“
Baltă, 16, Romania
About migration
“In every debate about borders, security, or quotas, we must remember the youngest among us—the children– who did not choose this journey but are forced to endure it. These are the children who have been uprooted from their homes, often fleeing conflict, poverty, or persecution. They are not just statistics in a report, or numbers on a policy sheet. They are human beings—frightened, vulnerable, and in need of our protection.“
Durar, 17, Sweden
About child poverty
“Child poverty isn’t just a statistic; it’s a struggle for children who are denied basic rights and opportunities. They lack access to quality education, proper healthcare, and enough food — essentials that shape their future success. I grew up in an environment where many children didn’t have the same opportunities. I saw firsthand how money problems can affect someone’s education, mental health, and sense of belonging…
…All children have the same rights, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. No child should have to feel ‘less than‘ simply because of a lack of money.“
Ruaa, 16, Sweden
About child rights
“If a child knows their rights, they can observe situations in more depth, find solutions, and stand up against prejudice and humiliation.“
Konstandino, 16, Albania
About child participation
“What would I say to decision-makers? You need to make good choices—choices that truly impact us in a positive way. And you should really listen to us, because we have ideas that could actually contribute to what you're doing. We're the ones who will feel the effects of your decisions, so please include us. It’s not just about what you think is best for us. You need to hear our ideas too. And also, we're not just, let’s say, props for your political agendas. We’re real people with real feelings who deserve respect and protection.“
Heart, 17, Philippines
About freedom
“In a perfect world, there would be no oppression. It’s a serious issue when people are unable to fully express themselves or be their true selves due to systemic or societal constraints. Everyone deserves the freedom to speak openly about their experiences and to live authentically. Silencing individuals denies them their humanity and stifles progress for all.“
Mirriam, 17, Zambia
About migration
“Behind each policy are individual children with names, faces, and stories. There is the 8-year-old who can no longer sleep because the sound of the sea brings back the terror of a boat ride that almost claimed his life. There’s the teenage girl who, instead of preparing for her future, lives in the constant fear of being deported back to a country she no longer calls home.
Is this the Europe we want to be? A Europe that forgets the innocent, the most vulnerable? Our values—values of human dignity, solidarity, and compassion—should guide us now more than ever.
This is not a call for open borders or simplistic solutions. But it is a call for policies that put the well-being of children at the heart of every decision.“
Durar, 17, Sweden
About digital rights
“Children who are vulnerable in real life are even more at risk online, especially when they come from situations where many resources are lacking. They often look for things to fill those gaps...
…Without proper legal protections, these children can be taken advantage of more easily due to the lack of regulations in place. Legal frameworks are definitely one of the key issues here.“
Baltă, 16, Romania