Moving Children’s Participation Forward Through Article 31 – the Right To Play

This article uses a rights-based and social ecological approach to explore the role of the right to play in the lives of children and youth, as outlined in Article 31 of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), in supporting the actualization of children’s meaningful participation, as outlined in Article 12 and as a guiding principle of the UNCRC. This article introduces the limited recognition of the value of play internationally, as emphasized in General Comment 17. It uses a rights-based approach to analyze the intrinsic and instrumental value of play as a right itself and its role in supporting children to actively participate as experts in their own lives, develop leadership skills, express their views, be listened to, and be active in decision-making processes.  The authors will explore the positive contribution play can make to the healthy and holistic development of children and youth and how these skills support a sense of agency and leadership in children and youth at present and in their future.  Right To Play’s methodological approach is grounded in participatory, experiential learning and the work of educationalists. This work will be showcased to highlight how play can strengthen children’s meaningful participation. The authors conclude that it is imperative that the international development and humanitarian community continues to strengthen the advocacy for and use of play to strengthen children’s wellbeing, healthy development and active participation in their lives.