Evidence abounds in all societies across the world that actions detrimental to the wellbeing of children have often been taken by adults who think they know best and believe they are acting in the best interests of the child. World history is replete with examples of such well-intended actions that ended up having tragic consequences such as the evacuation of children in Britain during the Second World War3 and the commission of children into workhouses in nineteenth century Europe.4 Well-intentioned actions with disastrous consequences, underpinned by the belief that adults know best, continue today. In many countries, for example, the law automatically decides which parent a child should go to when they divorce, or decisions are taken to remove children from the streets by detaining them at an institution. Research has shown that adults in positions of power over children can and do often exploit and abuse that power to the detriment of children; parents’ rights are often prioritised over that of children; and children’s interests are often disregarded in public policy.5 These are failures that arise from the prevailing belief that adults have a superior knowledge of what is best for children and that listening to children is, therefore, a waste of time and energy. Arguments against children’s participation Children lack the competence or experience to participate Children must learn to take responsibility before they can be granted rights Giving children rights to be heard will take away their childhood It will lead to lack of respect of parents Arguments for children’s participation It leads to better decisions It strengthens a commitment to, and understanding of, democracy It protects children better It is a fundamental human right This study is an assessment of the existing knowledge of children’s rights to participation in the nascent Maldivian democracy, and the resulting attitudes towards the provision and realisation of those rights among children and adult decision-makers in Maldivian society. 3 David Prest, “Evacuees in World War Two – the True Story”, History, BBC, February 17, 2011, accessed http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwtwo/evacuees_01.shtml on November 20, 2011. 4 David Roberts, “how cruel was the Victorian poor law?” Historical Journal, 6, 97-107 5 Gerison Lansdown, op.cit 5