A child-friendly city (CFC) is a city, town, municipality, or community committed to fulfilling the rights of children as articulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In practice, this means that it is a city or community in which the voices, needs, priorities and rights of children are of primary consideration in the policies, laws, programmes, budgets and decisions that affect them. And where the local government is committed to translating these rights into practical, meaningful and measurable results for children. Ideally, it is a city or community where children:

• Are safe and protected from exploitation, violence and abuse.
• Have a good start in life and grow up healthy and cared for with access to essential services.
• Have a decent standard of living.
• Experience quality, inclusive and participatory education and skills development.
• Can express their opinions and influence decisions that affect them.
• Participate in family, cultural, city/community and social life.
• Live in a clean, unpolluted and safe environment with access to green spaces.
• Meet friends and have places to play and enjoy themselves.
• Enjoy equal rights as citizens regardless of their ethnic origin, religion, income, gender or ability.

While the primary responsibility for ensuring that children’s rights are met lies with governments, other stakeholders also play a crucial role in building child-friendly cities. These include, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia and the media, as well as children themselves.