As the world’s most universally-supported human rights treaty turns 20 today, events are taking place in New Zealand and around the globe to mark the occasion.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international convention to affirm human rights for all children. The UN adopted the Convention on 20 November 1989, with NZ ratifying it on 13 March 1993.

Among the more than 160 events taking place worldwide to mark the anniversary, Her Excellency Lady Satyanand will host a UN Children’s Fund event at Government House in Auckland today that will bring together children from around NZ and people central to NZ’s involvement with the Convention. Find out more

The Auckland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gary Daverne, ONZM, will perform the newly composed ‘UNICEF Anthem’ at a concert in Auckland on Sunday (22 November).

In addition, UNICEF has released a special edition of its flagship ‘State of the World’s Children’ report that tracks the impact of the Convention and the challenges that remain.

UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, says that great steps have been made for children, improving not only their chances of survival, but also their quality of life through enhanced health, education and protection.

“We have witnessed a 28 per cent decline in the rate of under five mortality between 1990 and 2008, and 84 per cent of primary school age children are in class today.

“There have also been significant improvements in the protection of children from serving as soldiers, and from their being trafficked into prostitution or domestic servitude.

“Children have also been major beneficiaries of the availability of improved water sources to an extra 1.6 billion people world-wide between 1990 and 2006.”

Mr McKinlay says that the Convention is as relevant today as it was when adopted by the UN 20 years ago.

“The Convention continues to be a powerful statement from world leaders that children matter, not merely as objects of welfare but also deserving of respect and entitlement to full human rights.

“Almost every country in the world has ratified the Convention, making it the most universally-supported human rights treaty in history. More than 70 countries have incorporated children’s codes into national legislation based on the Convention’s provisions, and awareness and advocacy on child protection issues have increased markedly in the past 20 years.

“The Convention is significant, not only for children, but for all people across the world. Children’s needs and rights are integral to a healthy society. A world fit for children benefits everyone.”

Mr McKinlay says, however, that there is still much to be done to advance children’s status.

“While we celebrate the occasion, we have to be mindful of the work that has yet to be done towards every child in New Zealand and around the world having the best possible support to reach their full potential. 

“It is simply not acceptable, for example, that children continue to die from entirely preventable diseases such as pneumonia, malaria, measles and malnutrition. In addition, there are high rates of child abuse and neglect, even in developed countries such as New Zealand.”

Download PDF of the State of the World's Children

View video of the UNICEF Anthem