Las ciudades de las niñas y los niños. ¿Gobiernos sensibles o eslogan político?

Abstract

Since the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, efforts have been made to promote children’s meaningful involvement in public and social project decision-making. Nevertheless, public governance practices still predominantly reflect an adult-centered lens that often sidelines the voices and needs of children. In urban environments, this marginalization is even more evident, as spatial and institutional frameworks typically fail to support children’s inclusion and development. Organizations such as UNICEF have played a critical role in advancing children’s presence in global agendas and in policy, technical, and academic debates. As a result, many cities have adopted slogans branding themselves as “child-friendly.” This paper critically assesses whether such labels reflect actual conditions and policies on the ground. Through a comprehensive review of scholarly and press sources, the study examines this issue at different spatial scales, focusing on four Mexican municipalities. The analysis adopts a descriptive approach, using statistical data specific to each locality. Findings reveal that the strategies implemented under the banner of child-friendly cities often diverge from the realities experienced by children. A notable gap emerges between institutional rhetoric and children’s true engagement in urban life—particularly in terms of their ability to enjoy public spaces, exercise their rights, and participate meaningfully in the city.