UNICEF UK is supporting Wales’ efforts to become the first part of the UK to embed the rights of children and young people into flagship legislation.
The Proposed Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure was laid today and a statement introducing the Measure will be made in the National Assembly for Wales tomorrow (Tuesday 15 June 2010).
The purpose of the Measure is to place a duty on Assembly Government Ministers to have due regard in taking strategic decisions to the rights and obligations in respect of children that are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This will strengthen our existing rights-based approach for children and young people in policy making in Wales, and also strengthen children and young people’s position in Welsh society.
Deputy Minister for Children Huw Lewis said:
“Children and young people who know about their human rights generally also have improved self-confidence, higher expectations and are more likely to fulfil their full potential.
“We in Wales value these characteristics. We take pride in striving to give our children and young people the tools they need to play a full and active part in our society as citizens.
“This proposed Measure will not only help the children and young people of today enjoy improved wellbeing, it will also provide a mechanism to ensure a better tomorrow for our communities and Wales as a whole.
“I am proud that we are leading this way with this UK first.”
The concept of making a Measure has received widespread and constructive feedback from organisations within Wales and further afield, including support from UNICEF [United Nation’s Children’s Fund].
Deputy Executive Director for UNICEF UK, Anita Tiessen, said:
“The mission of UNICEF is to advance the application of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in children’s lives, and we do that in close collaboration with governments.
“We are therefore delighted to see the Welsh Assembly Government considering adopting a Measure to apply a duty of due regard to the CRC to all the functions of Ministers.
“This is a far-reaching commitment and would place Wales in the leading group of countries when it comes to the incorporation of the UNCRC and will set an example to others, including here in the UK.
“On behalf of UNICEF UK I congratulate the Welsh Assembly Government on taking this huge step forward towards embedding child rights.”
The proposed Measure will require the Welsh Ministers to make a Children’s Scheme, where the Assembly Government must set out arrangements for securing that the duty is complied with. The scheme will require National Assembly for Wales approval before it can be made.
The proposed Measure also contains provisions about promoting knowledge and understanding of the UNCRC and its Optional Protocols and considering extending the Measure as appropriate to the 18 to 24 age group.
It does not impose any duty on any other person or body, for example, NHS bodies or local authorities. The due regard duty is designed so that in strategic decisions by Ministers, there will be a requirement to give proper consideration to the Convention rights and obligations.
