Introduction

Abstract The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) heralds a revolutionary vision, transforming children from passive recipients of care into active participants with the agency to influence their own lives (Freeman, 1996). With this, the CRC introduced the principle of child participation, marking a radical shift from earlier international agreements that focused solely on children’s rights to protection and provision (League of Nations, 1924; United Nations, 1959). Article 12 of the CRC enshrines the right of children to express their views freely in all matters affecting them, and for these views to be given due weight according to their age and maturity.