A Decade of Making Cities Child-Friendly: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of CFCI in South Korea
In December 2023, the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) in South Korea marked a significant milestone — its 10th anniversary. This momentous occasion celebrated a decade of remarkable achievements in creating a better society for children.
The event, co-hosted with the Association for the Promotion of UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities (APUCFC) and attended by over 150 distinguished guests, including government officers, mayors, and child rights advocates, was a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and national governments, UNICEF, and various stakeholders in bringing notable positive changes in child rights implementation in the country. Over the past ten years, the CFCI has seen tremendous growth in South Korea. By the end of 2023, 91 local governments had been recognized as Child Friendly Cities, with 122 other local governments having signed an agreement to pursue this status. This represents nearly 50% of local governments in the country, encompassing 83% of the child population. The initiative's reach is significant, with CFCI having the potential to impact a vast majority of South Korean children directly.
“Serving on the Child Participation Committee taught me about children's rights and allowed me to experience having a voice. I hope all children get the chance to speak out in the future.” - Dawon Lee, a child commissioner from Cheongju
Establishing dedicated child rights units within local governments has been a crucial development of CFCI in the country. According to a 2022 survey by the Korean Committee for UNICEF, 127 local governments had such units, with 83% either recognized or in the process of becoming Child Friendly Cities. The rise of independent bodies for children, such as ombudspersons, in 87 municipalities nationwide, further highlights the commitment to advocating for children's rights in local administrative processes. Partnerships have played a vital role, with 70% of Child Friendly Cities collaborating with NGOs to raise awareness and expand participation activities.
The impact of living in Child Friendly Cities is profound. A 2023 survey involving 443 children in 64 local governments revealed positive impacts on their personal development and happiness. Children in these areas are 7.5 times more likely to be familiar with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and 2.7 times more likely to feel respected compared to those in other areas. Participation experiences boosted children's confidence, respect for others, and social interactions. They were more empowered in making decisions at home, including managing pocket money and interacting with friends. Furthermore, children in these cities reported gaining opportunities to make a difference in their communities, participate in local planning, and understand their communities better through direct involvement.
The event not only celebrated the past achievements but also set the stage for future endeavours. The panelists emphasized the importance of recognizing children as integral community members and the need for continued investment in addressing their issues.
The celebration also included an awards segment, with the recognition of 66 practices from 39 cities, showcasing the commitment of local governments to realizing children’s rights. These practices were compiled and published in a report, serving as a blueprint for other cities aspiring to become child friendly.
As the Korean Committee for UNICEF and its partners look to the future, the 10th anniversary of the CFCI in South Korea stands as a beacon for child friendly urban development. The journey continues, with a renewed commitment to ensuring that every child grows up in an environment that respects, protects, and fulfills their rights.
