El Derecho al Juego de los Niños y Niñas. Una Mirada en España y Colombia

Abstract

The main focus of this article is recognizing play as a fundamental right in children’s lives. Play is a basic anthropological need for the growth and development of boys and girls; therefore, it deserves the same consideration and protection as other rights stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Recognizing play as a right not only highlights its importance but also makes it possible to guarantee its promotion and protection, a challenge that requires the collaboration of governmental and non-governmental actors. Based on a comparative analysis of collaborative governance processes and the capabilities approach in Spain and Colombia, using a case study method and the qualitative technique of document review, the article describes and analyzes the experiences of both countries and proposes a series of strategic guidelines to help ensure children’s right to play in the Colombian context. The conclusion emphasizes that guaranteeing the right to play is more than a regulatory obligation; it is an ethical and social commitment that defines the quality of life of future generations. It requires the involvement of public, private, and social actors, as well as families, to ensure that children can enjoy this right in both private and public spaces.