Informal settlements are typically high-density, mixed-use areas that are often excluded from formal urban planning processes and may lack adequate infrastructure, basic services and secure land tenure. Limited indoor space also makes streets and shared open spaces especially important in children’s everyday lives.
At the same time, the compact and walkable character of many informal settlements, with narrow streets, limited motorized traffic and large populations of children, can create valuable opportunities for outdoor play and social interaction. However, the spaces available to children are not always safe and may include flood-prone areas, waste sites or other marginal spaces.
Building on the SPACES framework, this webinar will explore how governments, communities and civil society organizations can protect and improve existing public spaces and create safer, more inclusive and child-centred environments in informal settlements and slum contexts.