Do Something

The Rights Respecting School Award encourages pupils and teachers to understand and respect their rights and responsibilities.
UNICEF UK/2009/Thomas Hanley

Did you know you have rights? Your opinions are important and have the power to change how governments operate.

Almost all of the world’s countries have signed a charter promising that all children under 18 have the right not only to free education but also the right to express an opinion when governments make decisions that affect them.

Young people have the right to organise with others and have a say in decisions that affect them – and these rights are crucial to a democracy. This is why UNICEF has teamed up with schools across the UK creating the Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA).

Active student participation is the key characteristic of UNICEF’s Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA). Being involved in the RRSA means you can be more involved in decisions about how your school is run. For example you can:

• Have input into how you are taught
• Learn from each other through peer education
• Learn about building positive relationships
• Help to create a school environment where people work together to reduce bullying and conflict
• Learn about your rights and those of young people all around the world
• Even suggest changes to your school lunches or maybe you have an opinion about you school uniform!

For more information on how to get your school involved in UNICEF’s new scheme ask your teacher to visit the UNICEF website and click on the following links:

• Rights Respecting School Award website
• More information on the Rights Respecting School Award
• How a UNICEF initiative is bringing children’s rights to life in UK schools
  

Celebrate the CRC at 20

Linked to UNICEF's work on the Rights Respecting School Award is its efforts to promote children's rights through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

In 1989, the world's leaders officially recognised children's rights by signing the CRC. This Convention underpins all of UNICEF's work, and we are the only organisation working for children that is recognised in the Convention. 

This year, the CRC turns 20 - and you can celebrate by helping to promote it! Tagd have created two downloadable packs stuffed with ideas on how you can spread the word of the convention, from organising a meeting with your MP to all kinds of fun activities.