Background

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Opportunities to take part in decision making through youth forums and youth assemblies has come about because of a range of things.

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One of the most important factors is the UNCRC (United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child) Article 12:

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' Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account.'

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In Wales, the participation of young people in decision making is being taken forward by something called 'The ten entitlements' Extending Entitlement (opens new window)

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The Welsh Assembly Government wants every young person in Wales aged 11-25 to have the same rights or entitlements (things you are allowed/should have /have a right to)

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Entitlement Two: Being Heard

' It is your right to have the opportunity to be involved in making decisions, planning and reviewing action that might affect you. Have a voice, having a choice even if you don't make the decisions yourself. Your Voice, Your Choice.'

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In Pembrokeshire it has been decided that the Youth Forums and Youth Assembly will be the mechanism to achieve entitlement two and article 12.

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By using this approach it could:

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• Strengthen participation in Pembrokeshire
• Involve more young people in local decision making
• Enable the Youth Assembly to have greater representation across Pembrokeshire and Wales
• Make adults aware of young people's achievements, often communities want to work with them but do not know how
• Strengthen feed back between forums/Youth Assembly/Funky Dragon/adults etc...

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Our overall aim is to:

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' Ensure that a wider range of young people have the opportunity to actively participate in decision making in Pembrokeshire, through the medium of youth forums and a Youth Assembly.'