Children and Young People's Rights
Children and young people in England tell Government about children’s rights.This month the Government launched an online children’s rights survey for England’s 11 million children and young people.
The UK ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991. This human rights treaty gives under 18 year-olds over 40 major rights.
The online survey will gather children’s and young people’s views and experiences of children’s rights. The results will be included in the Government's next report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
The UN Committee is a group of 18 international children’s rights experts. It meets in Geneva three times a year to consider the progress of governments in implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The UK Government must submit its next progress report to the UN Committee no later than July 2007.
The Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes MP has issued a letter to children and young people across the country (attached). She says to children and young people:
“We need your help to make sure our report reflects the true views and real lives of children and young people. So I want to invite you to take part in this online survey, and encourage you to tell other young people you know to take part too.”
Carolyne Willow, national co-ordinator of the Children’s Rights Alliance for England, adds:
“This is the first time Government has given all of England’s children and young people the chance to say how well their rights are respected in all areas of life – at home, in school, in the workplace and in their neighbourhoods and wider society. The results will be sent to the UN. I know children and young people will be up for the challenge!”
The online survey can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/youngpeoplerights