The UNCRC needs to be incorporated as part of UK law so children can enjoy all of their rights under international law.
© UNICEF/NYHQ2001/Leighton
As you know, this week we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UK Government ratified the UNCRC in 1991 – this means it agreed to follow it under international law.
So can I go to court if my rights are not respected?
No, at the moment the UNCRC is not part of the law in the UK. This means that while children’s rights have to be followed – because they are part of international law – children and young people cannot take a case to court in the UK if their rights under the UNCRC are ignored. The result of this can be that children’s human rights are not taken seriously.
What can be done to change this?
To make sure that children rights are taken seriously Rock, the Rights of the Child UK coalition, of which UNICEF UK is a member, and Baroness Walmsley are introducing a Private Members Bill (a Bill introduced by an MP or a Lord who is not a government minister) that will attempt to make the CRC part of UK law.
Why does the UNCRC need to become part of the law?
Many rights belonging to children and young people are not fully covered by existing laws, and that as a result, children and young people are not able to take action to enforce their rights. It also means that some children and young people do not have the same protection as others when it comes to being able to enjoy their rights, including children and young people with disabilities, young refugees and asylum seekers, and those in trouble with the law.
If the CRC was part of UK law, children and young people could use it in court to make sure they are able to enjoy all of their rights. It would also mean that all public services would have to take children’s rights seriously.
It would also help to make sure all adults working with children and young people know about the CRC and the importance of making sure children and young people can enjoy all of their rights.