State-civil society cooperation in creating enabling environments for children's rights in Europe and Africa: dynamics, challenges, lessons, and policy options

Findings show that an enabling environment requires robust government support, viewing and treating children as full citizens, institutional strengthening, civic space for CSOs, access to justice, and I/NHRI independence. The absence of these factors creates challenges worsened by dwindling political will, financial constraints, authoritarian regimes, and threats to I/NHRI independence, hindering advocacy efforts. The study also reveals the cooperation and competition within the NGO/CSO sector and between I/NHRIs and CSOs.

While collaboration aims to advance children's rights, competition for resources, agenda setting, and power play undermine these efforts. Funding emerges as both an enabler and a barrier, leading to conflicts and reluctance to support children asserting their rights. In conclusion, this study posits that children themselves, I/NHRIs, and I/NGOs are a vital part of the Social Accountability tapestry of children's rights implementation.

Their intricate relations with each other and States Parties, characterised by both cooperation and competition, significantly influence the establishment of enabling environments for the realisation of children's rights globally.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31st December 2027.</i><br><br>