Children's Rights
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is about making sure that children’s rights are respected
Article 12 'respect for the views of the child' is probably the most well known
For us, ensuring children are listened to is vital to ensure their other rights, particularly their protection from abuse
The Children’s Rights Team from Cornwall Council
The Children’s Rights Team from Cornwall Council worked with local children and young people to create a series of short films. In this film the children and young people explain what Children’s Rights mean to them, how it feels when rights are upheld and what it would be like if they couldn’t express themselves.
Advocacy
Advocates are people who can offer advice and support to children and young people who are experiencing certain situations in their lives including living in care, having a disability, being homeless or wanting to make a complaint. An Advocate's main role is to make sure that your views, wishes and feelings are heard when decisions are being made about your life. If you think you are entitled to an Advocate read more here or speak to someone you trust like a teacher, youth worker, social worker or family member and they can help make a referral.
Children's Commissioners
Each of the four nations in the UK has a Children's Commissioner who is responsible for promoting and protecting the rights and best interests of children and young people.
The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza is there to promote and protect the rights of children, she ensures your voices are heard by those who make decisions about your lives.
She has launched The Big Future survey to hear from all of you. It’s your chance to have your say on what it’s like to be a child or young person in England today – what you love, what worries you, how you have fun, and the changes you want for a better future.
Have your say in The Big Future survey - it takes about 5 minutes to complete.
If you think that your rights are not being met, try to talk to someone you feel safe with about this so they can help you have your rights upheld and your views and wishes heard. This could be a teacher, family member, social worker, advocate or youth worker. You can also call a helpline like Childline for advice.
Always remember that everyone has rights, so you can help others by respecting their rights too.
More advice here from Childline on rights in lots of areas of your life.