U-Report: Bridging the Gap

U-Report: Bridging the Gap Written by UNICEF Canada U-Report Ambassador Linnea, 20, Quebec

Under the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), young people have the right to freely express their opinions on matters that impact them. The Convention equally stipulates that those views are to be given proper consideration. Today, the CRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

But there is a trade-off. To achieve its near universal support, the treaty sacrifices specificity. There does not exist any precise regulation or mechanism outlining howyoung people should exercise their right to freely express themselves, or howthese views are to be given proper consideration.

Notably, UNICEF is the only organization mentioned by name in the CRC. As such, it is only fitting that a UNICEF program is helping bridge the gap between young people's free expression of views and the actual consideration of them.

What is U-Report?

U-Report is a digital messaging polling platform designed to consult and collect youth opinions on important matters. The platform is free, confidential, and open to youth ages 13 to 24 who sign up to be U-Reporters. The responses to bi-weekly polls enable UNICEF to compile a snapshot of what young people think about issues that matter to them. In doing so, youth have a chance to share their voices on topics such as education, voting participation, mental health, employment, cost of living, climate change, and so much more. Each poll sent out is additionally accompanied by supportive and educational resources on the topic.

U-Report, however, does not stop there. Having gained information through direct consultation of young people, UNICEF amplifies those views through advocacy projects and as support for policy development. There are over 35 million U-Reporters in 99 countries.

Why U-Report?

U-Report and UNICEF create an avenue for young people to have their voices heard - rather than assumed. Public policy decisions made today will be felt by youth inheriting the world tomorrow. Our interests, ideas, and perspectives deserve to be understood .

U-Report exemplifies UNICEF's commitment to empowering young global citizens by ensuring that their perspectives are not just acknowledged, but actively integrated into decision-making processes. As U-Report continues to grow globally, it empowers young people to take their seat at the table.

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