The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child outline the rights of children in order to meet their physical, emotional and wellbeing needs. Specifically, children have the right to:
- Express their views freely in all matters affecting them, and their views being given due weight in accordance with their age and level of maturity; [Article 12]
- Freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child’s choice; [Article 13]
- Participate freely in cultural life and the arts, and shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural and artistic activity. [Article 31]
To meet these rights, the Acting Commissioner encourages the SA Museum to build on its aims of caring, research and sharing to:
- Incorporate Youth voice into its Strategy and into the Museum’s future planning activities, including by establishing a Youth Advisory Group to inform the Board;
- Create welcoming, culturally safe and inclusive spaces for all children and young people. The Museum should review its offerings from the point of view of children and young people to ensure that they continue to provide engaging, inclusive, child friendly spaces, exhibits and programs;
- Centre young people in knowledge creation. Support youth-led interpretation, co-curation, and storytelling particularly on themes of identity, heritage, and environmental change; and
- Broaden access to collections and programs. Using digital platforms and outreach to ensure no child misses out