Youth Voice in the EU
Written declaration on engaging with children and young people on stopping climate change
We are launching a written declaration to the European Parliament that demands MEPs listen to young people's views on climate change.
Find the offical declaration in all European Languages here!
Find out more about how to get involved in the campaign here!
What is a written declaration?
A declaration is a statement of no more 200 words – ours is below.
MEPs can submit the declaration (in an official format) to European Parliament.
Any MEP can then sign the declaration if they agree with it – like a petition.
If the majority of MEPs sign the declaration the text is adopted by the European Parliament – it becomes official!
Declarations are often used as a way of highlighting an issue or requesting that MEPs show their support for cause.
You can view other declarations here or find more about the rules here.
Written declaration on engaging with children and young people to tackle climate change
The European Parliament,
- having regard to the commitments toward children and young people enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon and the Charter of Fundamental Rights,
- having regard to article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
- having regard to Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
- having regard to the European Parliament’s report ‘Towards an EU strategy on the Rights of the Child’.
- having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas it is anticipated that the effects of climate change will continue to worsen, effecting today’s children throughout their lives more than today’s adults,
B. whereas young people often feel frustrated by barriers to engaging in national and European democracy
1. Calls on the Directorate-General for Climate Action and decision-makers across Europe to engage directly and meaningfully with young people;
2. Recommends that member states further incorporate sustainability in their school curricula.
3. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments of the Member States.
What it means
A written declaration has to follow an official format which means it can make it difficult for those outside European Parliament to understand - this handy translation should help!
What it says
What it means
– having regard to the commitments toward children and young people enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon and the Charter of Fundamental Rights,
When addressing the issue, the EU will bear in mind existing commitments to the rights of children and young people
- having regard to article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
When addressing the issue, the EU will bear in mind its commitment to increasing the public’s awareness on climate change through education and training
- having regard to Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
When addressing the issue, the EU will bear in mind that there is an existing commitment to consult with children on issues that affect them
- having regard to the European Parliament’s report ‘Towards an EU strategy on the Rights of the Child’.
When addressing the issue, the EU will bear in mind its commitment made to children’s rights
- having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,
This declaration complies with the established rules for submitting declarations
A. whereas it is anticipated that the effects of climate change will continue to worsen, effecting today’s children throughout their lives more than today’s adults,
The effects of climate change will continue to get worse and it is children and future generations who will bear the brunt
B. whereas young people often feel frustrated by barriers to engaging in national and European democracy
A statement to acknowledges the challenges young people face in getting involved in decision making
1. Calls on the Directorate-General for Climate Action and decision-makers across Europe to engage directly and meaningfully with young people;
Asks the EU to discuss the issue directly with children and young people, and take account of their views in a meaningful way
2. Recommends that member states further incorporate sustainability in their school curricula.
Advises member states include sustainability in the school curriculum
3. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments of the Member States.
Asks that the president shares the declaration and the list of MEPs who sign with the governments of EU member states
How was the declaration created?
The declaration has been contributed to by over 200 young people from the UK, Kenya, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Senegal.
Young people, through competitions and round table discussions have put forward their experiences of climate change, their key concerns and the actions they have taken to combat climate change in their community.
As well as this young people have considered their role in decision making processes and contributed their views of how and why young people should be included, what value they add and what action they want decision makers to take.
You can take a look at some of the contributions here!
The declaration itself has been written, reviewed and agreed by young people to represent these views and highlight what is of greatest importance to young people.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 20 November 2012 14:51)
