Local Government: Respecting the Rights of Our Children

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) contains a number of universally agreed human rights that are specific to children.  As a ratifying State, our Government has an obligation to report on its compliance (or otherwise) with UNCROC. UNICEF NZ believes that the principles of UNCROC reach beyond central government and also require local authorities to perform their functions in accordance with its principles.
 
UNICEF NZ is also a party to the International Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).  Underpinning the CFCI is the reality that people's lives are shaped by their early experiences and as local authorities are on the front line in matters affecting children they need to be particularly mindful of the impact that any decision, policy or activity may have on children.  A cornerstone of the CFCI is a legal framework embodying children's rights.
 
The report proposes that local authorities have an obligation, principally (but not solely) under the Local Government Act 2002 to perform their functions in a child friendly manner and should use UNCROC as a guide in doing so.
View Final Report.

The following research paper contains an in-depth analysis of the research behind the final report.
View Research Report