Child Participation 17. The Committee recommends the State Party to finalize and pass a decree establishing the National Children's Parliament and formalise and build the capacity of the Children’s Parliament with branches all over the country. The children’s parliament should also be inclusive of all children without any discrimination of race, religion, sex, social status or disability and a forum for children to have their voices heard, in particular it should be a platform to educate children on their rights; to build their capacities on child rights, life skills, tolerance and diversity; to discuss the issues they face and present their demands to the government, the media and other members of civil society; and to maximise the opportunity to influence policies that affect them. 18. The Committee also recommends the State Party to design an action plan for participation to engage the children’s parliaments in decision making. To this effect, the Government of Senegal should facilitate exchanges between the Children's Parliament and Governmental institutions and officials, such as parliamentarians of the National Assembly, the Social, Environmental and Economic Council, the Council of Local Authorities and other Ministers in charge of key departments for the realization of children rights. The Government of Senegal should additionally promote and ensure the right to participation of all children, particularly those who are marginalised, children from poor families, children with disabilities, Talibe children and children who are orphaned and vulnerable, through the establishment of appropriate consultative fora including child rights clubs and youth clubs, and associations. The Government should also consult children in the formulation of plans, policies and laws which directly affect their lives to make sure that they are not just on the receiving end of projects, rather they play an active role in changing their livelihood. The Government should also ensure that children’s voices are reflected in reporting to treaty bodies, including to this Committee. 19. The Committee also wishes to advise the State Party to amend its legislation to reflect fully article 4 of the African Children’s Charter, so that any child who is capable of forming his or her views can express those views freely, including in all administrative and judicial proceedings affecting them 7

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