Children’s Rights
in Healthcare

Children’s Rights and the JOY Platform 

The COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted our society, with many children’s rights being overlooked during this time. 

In response, the JOY platform was established in July 2020 as an initiative of the Belgian Paediatric COVID-19 Task Force, in collaboration with numerous partners. 

JOY aims to provide a positive counterbalance by highlighting the importance and benefits of holistic development for children and young people, supporting their growth into the healthiest and happiest adults possible. 

This goal requires that children and young people are given both a face and a voice in healthcare decisions, ensuring that their needs and rights are prioritised. 

Collaboration between professionals and the combined efforts of all institutions focused on children and young people are essential to achieving this vision.

By joining forces, we can create a society where the rights, development, and well-being of children and young people are truly safeguarded and promoted. 

Relevant organisations working on children’s rights in Belgium:

• Kinderrechtencommissariaat 
• Délégué général aux droits de l'enfant http://www.dgde.cfwb.be/ 
• UNICEF Belgium 
• Kenniscentrum Kinderrechten www.keki.be/nl 
• Kinderrechtencoalitie www.kinderrechtencoalitie.be 

The JOY Platform is currently getting a total make over. The platform will extend from Covid-related information to general topics on well-being and quality of life

• The Commission of Health and Equal Opportunities advises the parliament in adjustments to legislation. A resolution was drafted to amend the Patients’ Rights Act (dated 2002).
• On Monday 5/12/2022, as the BAOP- president, together with Jeroen Verlinden (Representative paediatric nurses association and Joy-Platform) we advocated for embedding children’s rights in this law. Attached, you can find the powerpoint we presented, as well as the full recording of the hearing commission. This intervention resulted in an amendment of the resolution: 

  “Pay particular attention to the position of minor patients and (the implementation of) their rights in the healthcare system and their interaction with healthcare providers.”

• The Plan Care for the Child places the rights of the child at its core. Guided by the principles outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the plan aims to ensure that every child receives equitable access to high-quality, child-centred healthcare. 

  The Plan Care for the Child is a call to action for all stakeholders—parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers—to collaborate in building a future where children's rights are at the heart of every decision.