Children's friendly cities

Some time ago there was talk in Babies and more of the Amigos de los Niños Hospitals, which are those that comply with a series of guidelines in which respect and respect for children's rights prevail, among other things.

Well, not only are Hospitals declared friends of children, but there are also entire cities that can be proclaimed "Child Friendly City." This initiative took shape in 1996, at a UN Conference whose purpose was to make cities more livable places for everyone and declared that the safest indicator that a habitat is suitable for the population is the well-being of children. A Children's Friendly City is one that is committed to respecting the rights of children. In which policies, programs and general functioning take into account the voices, needs, rights and priorities of children.

A Children's Friendly City guarantees the right of any young citizen to:

  • Influence the decisions taken in your area.
  • Express your opinion about the location they want.
  • Participate in your family, community and social life.
  • Receive basic services such as health, education and protection.
  • Drink drinking water and have access to adequate cleaning services.
  • Be protected from exploitation, violence and abuse.
  • Ride safe on the streets where you live.
  • Meet your friends and play.
  • Have green spaces for plants and animals.
  • Living in an uncontaminated environment.
  • Participate in social and cultural events.
  • Being a citizen equal to others, with access to any service, regardless of ethnicity, religion, economic level, gender or disability.

It is clear that the freedom we had when we were little, when the streets were our playground, has been lost. The streets are less safe, or at least it is what is felt in the environment. There are not as many social networks as before and children, if they can be at home, the better. More controlled and less dangerous.

Spain is one of the European countries with more child poverty. In the United States millions of children do not have health insurance. Normal. Children do not complain, they have no voice or vote. They are helpless and therefore easily harmed. Few think of them.

Hopefully this initiative is extended and the governments of the cities and the inhabitants themselves begin to think a little more about children and keep in mind that their childhood experiences determine the adult that will be tomorrow.

If you want to know which Spanish cities have joined the initiative you can see it here. Aviles, for example, declared a Child Friendly City a few months ago.