A groundbreaking coalition of children and young people’s charities, voluntary organisations and statutory bodies is joining forces for a year of action to see greater recognition of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and to press for its systematic use and implementation across all areas of children’s lives.
The planning for The Right Year for Children starts today with a nation-wide competition for children and young people to create a universal logo to mark the 20th anniversary this year of the UK Government ratifying the UNCRC on 16 December. Organisations working with children and young people, including the Government and local councils, will be encouraged to use the logo as part of their work and commitment to promote and protect children’s rights. The closing date for the competition is: Sunday 23 October 2011 at 8pm.
Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England, says:
“We are honoured to be leading the first full year of systematic action for greater recognition of children’s rights with statutory and non-governmental organisations and children and young people. The UK Government ratified the UNCRC 20 years ago, in doing so they promised to use the Convention’s principles as a benchmark for the wellbeing and the best interests of all children and young people. We now want to see the UNCRC recognised as a statutory instrument in this country. The Right Year for Children will press for its systematic implementation by the Government and other relevant bodies.”
The Children's Rights Alliance for England is running the logo competition on behalf of The Right Year for Children. Carolyne Willow, CRAE's national co-ordinator, adds:
“We hope the winning logo will be used by hundreds of organisations and will really help to increase people's knowledge and understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Our country signed up to this human rights treaty 20 years ago and we want to get the message out loud and clear that children and young people have their own set of rights protected by international law.”
The competition winner or winners will have their design made into a professional logo by a design agency. They will receive a £100 gift voucher, get to stay overnight in London with their family or carers and spend time with Maggie Atkinson, the Children's Commissioner for England.
To find out how your group or organisation may become a supporter or partner of The Right Year for Children, please email Denise Malcolm at the Office of Children's Commissioner.
Mon, 26/09/2011 - 09:31
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A new package to develop local staff to support and train young people to conduct objective assessments of local services and support recommendations for service improvements.
