The UK has ratified (officially signed up to) the UNCRC. But this does not guarantee that the rights in it will be respected and fulfilled. This is because the Convention is not yet incorporated into English law. In November 2021 Cornwall Council agreed to develop a Children’s Rights Approach. This is a commitment to integrate children’s rights into everything the Council does.
What does a children’s rights approach look like?
The principles of a children's rights approach are:
- Embedding children's rights – Putting children's rights at the core of planning and service delivery
- Equality and non-discrimination – Ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to be the best they can be
- Empowering children – Supporting children to know about their rights and helping them to access their rights.
- Participation – Listening to children and taking their views meaningfully into account
- Accountability – Authorities are accountable (answerable) to children for decisions and actions that affect their lives
How will this benefit children?
Local authorities are accountable to children for decisions that affect their lives. The Council recognises the importance of children’s rights in its work and has a priority for Cornwall to be A Brilliant Place to be a Child and Grow Up. The Council is working hard to ensure that all children:
- Are given opportunities to make the most of their talents and potential
- Can access information and resources to help them take advantage of their rights
- Are provided meaningful opportunities to influence decisions about their lives