20 November 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
On the eve of the 10 year anniversary of the death of Victoria Climbie, VCF- The Victoria Climbié Foundation welcomes this anniversary of the UNCRC, and calls on the government to strengthen its commitment to children’s rights by implementing the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Last year the UN Committee, in its concluding observations on the UK, recommended that the government do more to address cases of violence, sexual abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation of children.

VCF- The Victoria Climbié Foundation works with children and families affected by violence, sexual abuse and neglect. We have seen first- hand the damage caused to vulnerable children and families by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and familial and state neglect.

The 20th anniversary of the UNCRC marks a milestone in the protection and furtherance of children’s rights and is an opportunity for present and future UK governments to commit themselve to ensuring that children’s rights are fully enshrined in national law and protected in practice.

The introduction of the Children’s Rights Bill in the House of Lords by Baroness Joan Walmsley would make the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child part of UK law.

Twenty years ago the UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UK ratified the Convention in 1991 making it legally binding onthe UK government. Bringing the Convention into UK national law would mean that the government would have to act in the best interests of the child in all policy and practice and new laws would be ‘children’s rights’ proofed.

The UK government has taken some significant steps to uphold children’s rights, including the introduction of the first Cabinet Minister and Department for Children, Schools and Families, but more must be done…

See also:

 Our Core Values
Muted celebrations for Universal Children’s Day 2010