Cornwall Council Formally Adopts UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Cornwall Council has formally adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to help create a better future for children and young people across the county.

The Convention sets out a global framework that recognises children as individuals with their own rights, rather than simply dependents of adults. It is designed to protect children and create opportunities for them to learn, grow and reach their full potential.

Formal signing with young people

The paperwork to officially adopt the Convention was signed by Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, alongside members of the Cornwall Youth Council.

The signing took place at a special event on Thursday, 29th January.

What adoption means in Cornwall

By adopting the Convention, Cornwall Council says it will ensure that:

• Children’s best interests are considered in all policies and actions under Article 3

• Children’s voices are heard and taken seriously in decisions that affect them under Article 12

• Services promote children’s health, education, safety and equality under Articles 6, 24, 27 and 28

Voices from Cornwall Youth Council

Bradley, a member of Cornwall Youth Council and Member of Youth Parliament for Cornwall, said adopting the Convention is important for him and his peers.

The 15 year old, who attended one of Cornwall’s Gold Rights Respecting Primary Schools, said:

“The UNCRC is vital because it protects vulnerable groups and sets out how children should be treated in important decisions. Children’s rights aren’t about doing whatever you want they’re about respect, awareness, and being treated fairly.

“Learning about children’s rights gave me the confidence to speak up, learn to make decisions, and take on roles I never imagined before. Being in a rights respecting school made everyone more aware of the UNCRC and how we should treat each other.”

The move has been welcomed by Cornwall Youth Council, whose members said:

“Children only have one chance at childhood we need to ensure this is as good as we can make it. We aren’t just the future, we are the present.”

Council response

Leigh said:

“I am incredibly proud of all the work that has been going on in Cornwall to protect children’s rights and make sure young people always have their voices heard when it comes to decisions that affect them.

“Formally adopting UNCRC really cements this and shows how committed we are to creating a better future for our children.”

Find out more

More information is available on the council’s children’s rights pages.

Details on becoming a rights respecting school can be found via UNICEF UK.