Children right to participate among secondary students at SMK ST Mary Limbahau Papar / Marcel Melania Saimon and Mohammad Fadhillah Ramli

Children are regarded as precious gifts from God. It is rather curious and unfortunate that these same children are subjected to abuses and neglect. Universally, childhood is recognized as a period of sensitivity requiring special dare, attention and protection (Awosola, 2008). Participation is both fundamental principle of human rights and a good practice of citizenship for all people. The declaration of the right of children to participate is one of the guiding principles and most progressive innovations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Compasito). Participation is where the adults such as parents, teachers and the community respects the child's ability to take part in decisions and recognise them as partners. Rather that democratic partnership, whereas the adults have power and control over them. In Malaysia, the children are protected under the Child Act 2001 which covers the Juvenile Courts Act 1947, the Women and Young Girls Protection Act 1973, and the Child Protection Act 1991. It was enacted partially in order to fulfill Malaysia's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Convention on the Rights of the Child). The Convention is divided into three parts containing 54 articles. The Children's Convention articulates several different aspects of children's right to participate. Article 12 states that children have right the right to express their views.