Core values of democracy are often best learnt during childhood. This is a key observation of the State of the World's Children Report, 2003, the annual flagship publication of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, released recently in New Delhi. The report highlights the significance of promoting meaningful and quality participation of children and adolescents in family, school, community and national life. The UNICEF report argues that world leaders must tap young people's potential and recognise them as an important resource. It also calls governments and the civil society to reinforce democratic values in children. The values of democracy - such as respect for the rights and dignity of all people - are first and best learned in chil