The importance of the (re) existence of participatory spaces: a study on the trajectory of the National Conferences on the Rights of Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The National Conferences have been the subject of academic studies in the context of Participatory Institutions, in perspective the National Conferences on the Rights of Children and Adolescents date back to 1995 and are configured as a political community; The research hypothesis arose from the understanding that they represent an important meeting space capable of bringing together actors, projecting demands and fostering public debate. Based on the documentary research in the Conference Proceedings, the objective was to analyze this space for deliberation, prioritizing the topics covered, characteristics and functioning throughout the editions. The first results showed that conferences are essential for democracy and there are relevant achievements, however, there is little articulation with other deliberative spaces, weakening their existence. The lack of participatory spaces diminishes public debate, empties the public sphere and weakens democracy.