Policy Makers Tool 3 Working together to provide for the right to play in situations of crisis

Policy Maker Tool 3 Working together to provide for the right to play in situations of crisis

Children’s wellbeing, development, and their essential enjoyment of childhood, are affected by their opportunities to play. The co-operation of many different professionals is needed to ensure an effective approach.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child calls for cross-departmental collaboration in national and municipal government. Through General comment No. 17, the Committee asserts:

“Planning for play, recreation and cultural and artistic activities requires a broad and comprehensive approach involving cross-departmental collaboration and accountability between national, regional and municipal authorities. Relevant departments include not only those dealing directly with children, such as health, education, social services, child protection, culture, recreation and sports, but also those concerned with water and sanitation, housing, parks, transport, environment and city planning, all of which impact significantly on the creation of environments in which children can realize their rights under article 31;”

(UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, 2013: para.58c)

The best interests of children must be the primary concern in making decisions that may affect them. All adults should do what is best for children. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect children. The Convention on the Rights of the Child makes it clear that this particularly applies to budget, policy and lawmakers.

Undertaking an assessment will identify the impact that a decision can have on a child or a group of children affected by it.

What might be included in a play impact assessment? • Description of the proposed measure (legislation/policy/project) • Identify how the measure affects (or might affect) children’s opportunity to play • Identify how the proposed measure is affected by, or affects, other current government/ activities/policy • Identify problems or gaps in information and expertise that the proposal entails • Children and family viewpoints on the proposal • Steps to address any adverse effects • Guidelines on how the measure should be monitored • Evaluation of the effect the decision had.