How children in Albania are leading climate change
Children in Albania are demonstrating how young voices can shape decisions about climate change and environmental policies. Through the Child-Led Group (CLG) Voice 16+, supported by Save the Children, they’ve pioneered child-led reporting focusing on the critical intersection of climate change, environmental degradation, and children’s rights in the context of Albania’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
On 23 November 2024, they shared their case study and insights during an online Peer Exchange Webinar on Strengthening Children’s Voices in Climate Action hosted by How To Child Rights network, of which UPR Info is a member.
This case study serves as a blueprint for empowering young people worldwide to lead climate action and demand accountability. Through their determination and innovative approach, the children of Voice 16+ have proven that young voices can make a powerful impact in shaping policies for a healthier, more sustainable future.
“I didn’t realize how much the environment affects us kids until we learned about it. Now I see why our voices need to be heard in decisions about climate change.” – A child from the Child-Led Group (CLG) Voice 16+
The peer exchange provided a platform to engage with young activists from Côte d’Ivoire, including discussions on how climate change affects children and their rights under the UPR. Among the participants was Marc Eliel, President of the Children’s Organization and Association in Côte d’Ivoire, who shared insights into their work since 2022. The organization has been actively submitting reports to the UPR, prioritizing the integration of environmental issues into their monitoring of children’s rights. Their efforts underscore the importance of involving children in discussions about environmental protection and education, ensuring their voices shape policy decisions. Through their child-led report on environmental issues, Marc and his team have shown how young advocates can influence actionable recommendations for safeguarding the environment, emphasizing the necessity of considering children’s perspectives in tackling climate challenges.
Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, emphasized the critical need to prioritize the voices of those most affected by climate change. She noted that the impacts of climate change are not experienced equally, with certain groups—such as children, Indigenous peoples, and individuals with disabilities—facing disproportionately severe consequences.
"...We really need to make sure we listen to them as a priority; their experiences and knowledge of climate change offer the best understanding of what we need to do to protect human rights in the context of climate change and to take more effective, meaningful climate action together,” stated Ms Morgera.
This call to action aligned closely with the webinar’s focus, inspiring participants to address climate change through a human rights-centered approach.
Key results and good practices
Since its inception in 2000, Voice 16+ has evolved from addressing school-level issues to engaging in national and international advocacy. By 2021, members had gained the skills to research and draft a child-led complementary report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), focusing on children’s right to a healthy environment.
This groundbreaking work culminated in September 2022, when two children presented their findings at the CRC pre-session in Geneva—marking the first instance of Albanian children addressing this specific right at such a forum.
The children’s efforts achieved remarkable outcomes, significantly influencing both policy and advocacy. For the first time, the CRC’s Concluding Observations for Albania included recommendations on climate and environmental issues, with 68% of these stemming directly from the children’s report—an impactful testament to the value of their contributions.
This initiative empowered over 860 children, equipping them with critical skills in research, analysis, and advocacy. These young advocates are now well-prepared to monitor government actions and hold policy makers accountable. Many have also emerged as ambassadors for climate and environmental advocacy, raising awareness within their communities about the right to a safe and healthy environment. The children’s engagement extended beyond reporting to sustained advocacy. They developed comprehensive plans, organized public events, and launched awareness campaigns to promote their recommendations, ensuring their voices remained central to discussions on climate and environmental policies.
The success of this initiative was rooted in several best practices. Inclusive consultations ensured diverse perspectives, while child-centered decision-making kept children’s voices at the forefront of every stage. Age-appropriate training empowered participants to effectively navigate the reporting process, and validation sessions provided iterative feedback, strengthening the report’s credibility and alignment with children’s views. These practices collectively created a powerful model for child-led advocacy.
It is also worth noting that an adolescent from Albania participated in the UPR Pre-session organised by UPR-Info in August 2024, making a strong impact. Her involvement demonstrated how the advocacy work initiated as part of the CRC was effectively used in the UPR reporting and advocacy efforts.
As seen by the case in Albania, the UPR mechanism can be used as a unique opportunity to spotlight issues such as the intersection of climate change and children’s rights, ensuring these issues are recognized and addressed within broader human rights frameworks.