Children’s rights activists meet with the Government

On Tuesday 29 July, 60 children and young people met with Government policy makers to talk about human rights issues for children in England.

At this national conference, hosted by CRAE, UNICEF and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, children and young people found out more about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and heard from Get ready for change! volunteers about the findings of their children’s rights investigation.

‘This event was an excellent opportunity to present the findings from our report to the Government. I am really pleased that the Government is taking children’s rights seriously.’ Laura, 17, children’s rights champion

Young delegates shared how they experience their rights in education, health, and the local community, and talked about children’s place in society today. They also discussed what the Government must now do to make sure all children can enjoy all of their rights.

Tom Jeffery, who will head up the Government delegation to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in September, talked about the Government’s plans for children, and how the Get ready for change! recommendations might be put into practice in England.

Of the event, Beverley Hughes MP, the Minister for Children, said: ‘I’d like to see a change in culture across society that sees young people being treated with more respect, but also given the opportunities to earn that respect – by showing the fantastic, creative and positive things they’re capable of. We all need to follow the three Rs of rights, respect and responsibilities, and make sure that children’s rights are recognised and upheld. All young people need to know what their rights are.’

Get ready for change! volunteers are looking forward to further conversations with Government policy makers about protecting children’s rights both in the run up to the UN examination of the UK Government in September, and when the UN Committee publishes its concluding observations later this year.

Check out the Get ready for change! report

Find out more about the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

Posted on Friday, August 01, 2008