Children’s rights—and human rights more broadly—are central to improving children’s lives. At the same time, we are witnessing growing movements that challenge and push back against established human rights frameworks, with children’s rights increasingly caught in the crossfire.
Coram Children’s Legal Centre has promoted and protected the rights of children in the UK and internationally in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child for decades. But we are seeing mixed messages from the current UK government. On the one hand, we have seen some positive movements on children’s rights during the passage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill with the importance of child-centred policy highlighted as a core issue. However, we have also seen really problematic views on children’s rights in the UK through the Prime Minister’s recent statements on the interpretation of international law, including the UNCRC, and this week’s announcement on policy changes that will negatively affect many children and young people in the UK.
World Children’s Day is a vital reminder that every child deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and empowered. Coram Children’s Legal Centre urges the UK government to consistently work for the betterment of all children—regardless of background—through a clear children’s rights lens. Embedding children’s rights into policy and practice ensures that decisions are made with their best interests at heart, leading to better outcomes across health, education, and wellbeing. When children’s rights are respected and upheld, they are more likely to thrive, develop their full potential, and lead fulfilling lives.
