Climate action and the UNCRC: A ‘postpaternalist’ world where children claim their own rights.

17 Oct 2024

Keystone Youth Climate Justice's article outlining postpaternalism theory is out now. We argue that children/youth are environmental rights leaders taking action on a global scale, rather than well-meaning adults “giving” children their rights. You can read it here: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/4/88

In recent years, a shift has emerged in how we perceive children's rights and agency. All over the world, children and youth have taken the reigns across public spaces and turned to national and international courts to call for more urgent and ambitious climate action. In the Youth Climate Justice project, we investigate how this wave of child/youth climate action is challenging the arena of international children’s rights law, marking what we call a “postpaternalist” era. Our keystone journal article explaining this theory was published on 29 September 2024, and you can read it here. To access a summary of this article, click here: Daly et al (2024) Postpaternalism Article Summary. 

The concept of postpaternalism suggests that we can see grassroots action from children (for the first time, on a global scale), rather than well-meaning adults ‘giving’ children their rights. Future approaches to the UNCRC must reflect this, for example the Article 12 right to be heard primarily involves adults deciding which children are heard where, and when (and how much influence they have). This postpaternalist era however requires recognition of children/youth as leaders, and the transformative political contributions of under-18s. 

The Rise of Postpaternalism: Background and Context 

Traditionally, those under 18 have been seen as vulnerable and in need of protection, with adults acting as their primary advocates. The CRC, adopted in 1989, enshrines various rights for children, such as the right to be heard (Article 12) and the right to protest (Article 15). However, it is typically adults who control when and how children are allowed to express themselves. This dynamic has changed with the emergence of child/youth climate activism, where children and young people have proven themselves as changemakers. 

Since 2018, the surge of child and youth climate action – ranging from protests and lobbying to filing legal applications – has altered how we perceive their political agency. With the impacts of climate change directly affecting children and youth, many have taken to the streets, organised campaigns, and used digital platforms to voice their concerns. This movement embodies a spirit of "doing-it-ourselves" (Pickard, 2019), as children and youth take action for their own future rather than waiting for adults to act on their behalf. 

Key Elements of Postpaternalism 

• Children as equals. Children and youth are no longer passive recipients of decisions but are instead driving change, even working alongside adults as equals. For example, 12,000 scientists signed a statement in support of youth climate strikes, acknowledging that young people's concerns about insufficient climate action were "justified and supported by the best available science" (BioEd Online, 2019). This recognition challenges the traditional view of children as dependent on adults for advocacy. 
• Alternative avenues for political agency. Since those under 18 cannot vote, many have turned to protests, legal actions, and international petitions as avenues to make their voices heard. The case of the Sacchi petition to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is a notable example, where young people demanded accountability for climate inaction. Similarly, in regions like Fiji and the Solomon Islands, young people have pushed for their involvement in climate policy-making (Gasparri et al., 2021). 
• Digital platforms and global reach. Digital media has become a powerful tool for child/youth activism, allowing movements like, for example, Fridays for Future, to gain global traction. These platforms enable young activists to connect across borders, share their stories, and organize widespread campaigns. This digital approach is a hallmark of Postpaternalism, demonstrating how children and youth are reshaping advocacy through technology. 
• Focus on equality, inclusion and a postcolonial approach. The postpaternalist era is characterized by a demand for equality. Youth activists often highlight the needs of marginalized communities, such as Indigenous populations and those in the Global South, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. For instance, in the Sacchi case, the rights of Indigenous children to enjoy their culture (Article 30 of the CRC) were brought to the forefront. By advocating for these rights, young activists aim to ensure that all voices, especially those historically marginalized, are heard in the climate conversation. 
• A broader sense of care for others and for the environment. Postpaternalism also embraces a deep concern for other humans, and for the environment. For example, participants in Ireland’s 2023 Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss urged society to respect the Earth "like a member of the family or a friend." This perspective aligns with a holistic approach to children’s rights, where caring for the planet is viewed as an extension of caring for future generations. 

Challenges of Postpaternalism for Children's Rights 

While Postpaternalism offers a new vision for children's rights, it also comes with challenges: 

• Underutilization of the CRC in climate cases: Despite the CRC’s emphasis on children's rights, children’s own rights are rarely central in legal arguments related to climate action (Daly, 2023). Instead, the focus often shifts to the "rights of future generations." 
• Risks of activism: In some regions, environmental activism can be dangerous for children and young people. Participating in protests or speaking out can expose them to physical risks and legal repercussions. Additionally, the intense emotional toll of climate advocacy can result in climate anxiety or burnout (Godden et al., 2021). They can also be involved in initiatives in a tokenistic way. 
• Exclusion of some children: Not all children benefit equally in an era of postpaternalism. Younger children, those in the Global South, and others, may find it harder to access platforms or participate in advocacy efforts. Ensuring that their voices are heard remains a critical challenge. 

How Adults Can Support Children and Youth in a Postpaternalist Time? 

The transition to a postpaternalist era calls for a shift in how adults support children’s rights. Rather than assuming a paternalistic role, adults should act as allies, creating spaces where children feel heard and respected. This includes making legal and political spaces more accessible and child-friendly, recognizing the unique contributions of children and youth, and engaging in dialogue to understand their perspectives better. The emphasis should be on collaboration, where adults and young people work together to address shared challenges. There is much research to be done however, to ask children/youth themselves what they think postpaternalism involves, and to establish what they need (from adults and systems) as climate advocates. 

The rise of postpaternalism signals a pivotal moment in the movement for children’s rights. By recognizing the leadership of children and young people, society can move towards a more inclusive approach to tackling global challenges like climate change. This era demands that we rethink how we apply frameworks like the UNCRC and create environments where children and young people can thrive as advocates for their own rights. As children and youth continue to step forward with passion and determination, their actions challenge us all to envision a future where their voices are not just heard but are at the forefront of driving change.