What would a city look like if children could design it themselves?

For 34 children aged 13-17 from different backgrounds, languages and experiences, this question became an invitation to imagine, create and explore what matters to them.

Unaccompanied migrant children and members of the Provincial Children's Rights Committee in Türkiye came together for the event “Under the Same Sky: Children's Rights Gathering”, a day dedicated to exploring their shared rights through creativity, play and interaction.

With colourful pencils and blank sheets of paper, the children brought their dream cities to life. There were no limits to what they could imagine. Their drawings featured green spaces, trees, parks and sports fields, reflecting their wishes for places where children could play, feel safe and enjoy their surroundings. Each drawing offered a glimpse into how they picture the world around them and the places where they would like to grow up and live.

But the day was about more than drawing imaginary cities. Through interactive activities and discussions, the children explored how their rights relate to everyday life, including the right to play, to live in a safe and healthy environment, and to express their views.

They also shared messages with adults through drawings, words and symbols. Some expressed simple but fundamental wishes: to be loved, cared for and protected. Others raised important concerns about their rights and the responsibility of adults to safeguard them.

Together, these messages reflected something important: children need opportunities not only to learn about their rights, but also to express their opinions, ask questions and have their views taken seriously.

The day ended with a symbolic moment as children tied their wishes to colourful balloons and released them into the sky, reflecting the spirit of “Under the Same Sky” and their shared hopes for the future.

The event was organised under the Council of Europe project “Strengthening the Protection of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in Türkiye”, which is funded by Sweden.