Civil Society
Civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) in particular know the needs and challenges of the citizens they represent and work in their best interest. As such, they have an important role to play in building child-friendly cities. Civil society can:
- Advocate with local government for improvements for children and make sure their voices are heard.
- Monitor the well-being of children and public performance on child rights as independent observers.
- Support the delivery of essential services to communities that would otherwise be excluded from public sector services.
- Raise public awareness on issues related to children.
- Make changes for children through civil society organizations.
- Help implement child rights through its daily interactions with children in the city.
The importance of CSOs in development has been recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which has included them in the consultation and implementation processes.
Civil society organizations include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), membership organizations, religious communities, community-based organizations (CBOs) as well as social movements and popular organizations that include volunteers.