under the law of evidence, if they understand the duty of speaking the truth and of questions put to them, and can give rational answers (please see article 17). As noted in Article 4 of this report, children’s views are taken into consideration in family matters such as divorce, custody, maintenance and adoption cases. The application of this right is, however, only enforceable in court proceedings. In customary law and traditional practice children are seldom consulted and are not allowed to speak unless given permission to do so. Child participation in Tanzania is mostly supported through civil society organizations, although the Government - in collaboration with the Tanzania Movement for and with Children (TMC), and the Junior Council of the United Republic of Tanzania (JCURT) has been making some efforts to support processes of child participation in national development processes. For example, children took part in the preparation of the Outcome Document: A World Fit for Children and Africa Fit for Children and participated in the United Nations General Assembly Special Sessions for Children in New York in May 2002. Children and young people also participated in the Child and Youth Development policies, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) review.11 Children’s participation in the review of the PRS and preparation of MKUKUTA and MKUZA, has ensured that the second generation is more reflective of children and young people’s priorities. The TMC, in collaboration with the JCURT, also worked during the 2005 elections to collect the views of children and draw together their concerns about issues in Tanzania12, presenting these to members of Parliament on the Mainland, and members of the House of Representatives in Zanzibar. Support to Children’s barazas (councils) has also provided opportunities for children to voice issues which need to be urgently addressed at both a local and national level. Youth networks (bringing together 550 youth groups) in 19 districts are other channels for adolescents and young people to raise their conserns. Though coverage is still very limited, the Government plans to 11 In 2004 over 6500 children (under 18) took part in the consultations, whether through direct participation in meetings (2740) or the Tupe Maoni Yako questionnaire (3780), compared to 2000, in which children were not mentioned as a constituency to be consulted. From What Children and Young People are Saying about Poverty and analysis of the Tupe Maoni Yako public opinion survey, Vice President’s Office, August 2004. 12 Document called Sauti za Watoto- Children’s Voices. 15