ENOC Annual Online Training on Child Participation and Child Protection

On 24 February 2026, ENOC held its annual online training on Child Participation and Child Protection when engaging with children and young people from the LGBTQIA+ community or who are allies.

The training kicked-off ENYA 2026 - the European Network of Young Advisors - our youth participatory initiative, which this year focuses on advancing the rights of LGBTQIA+ children and young people.

The ENYA 2026 General Coordination is ensured by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People and The Ombudsman for Children's Office in Ireland.

The event brought together ENYA Coordinators, who play a key role in supporting and guiding Young Advisors throughout the project. Coordinators are central to the successful implementation of the first phase of ENYA, which includes a series of national-level meetings and activities aimed at enabling young advisors to develop informed, rights-based views on the priority theme.

In the context of persistent challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ children, including discrimination and limited opportunities to meaningfully participate in decision-making, the training explored how to:

• Ensure safe and inclusive participation of LGBTQIA+ children
• Strengthen links between child protection and participation
• Support young people in expressing their views with confidence at the regional, national, and European levels