Children's Rights in New Zealand | UNICEF and NZ Child Rights Law

Lady Susan Satyanand with guests gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the UNCROC at Government House Auckland, November 20th 2010.

All children in New Zealand have the right to a safe, and healthy life that is free from abuse and violence.

We carry out a range of activities to advocate for kids in this country.

We bring children’s issues to the attention of politicians and the public, we lobby for improvements to child rights laws, and we advocate for change.

We are guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) – our core foundation document and the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world, signed by NZ in 1989 and ratified in 1993.

Our work includes:

PUBLISHing and promoting EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH

Download a flyer listing some of our key publications.
Children are Unbeatable: 7 Very Good Reasons Not to Hit Children.
The Child Discipline Law: powerpoint about the legislation.
Undertaking Child Impact Assessment in Aotearoa New Zealand Local Authorities: Evidence, Practice, Ideas.
Young and Accountable: Should NZ lower the age of criminal prosecution? Read our submission to the Social Services Select Committee or download PDF of our report 'Young and Accountable'

GIVING CHILDREN A VOICE

Facilitating child participation in matters that directly affect them and raising the profile of children’s issues to the public through the media, publications and presentations. Click here for more information on UNCROC @ 20.

LOBBYING

For improvements to child rights laws and relevant services.

ADVOCATING

For children's interests on government and non-government committees and to other groups concerned with children's issues.

SUBMISSIONS

To parliament in areas of interest to children:
•   Immunisation Inquiry.
•   Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill
•   Labour Department Young Workers website
•   Child Offenders (Care and Rehabilitation)
•   Auckland Transition Agency
•   Auckland Social Policy Forum
•   LGA 2002 Amendment
•   Tobacco Retail Display Ban

We are currently working on: Children and Violence, Youth Justice and Child Friendly Cities.