UNICEF NZ is promoting the concept of CFCC - an initiative based on the Child Friendly Cities programme that was devised in Europe as a partnership between UNICEF and the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA).

CFCC aims to encourage and support local authorities to be mindful of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) as a framework for community development and growth so that children and young people are valued as important stakeholders in any decisions made about urban and community planning.

A child's life is shaped by his or her early experiences.

The physical spaces, social and cultural environments in their city/community have a direct impact on how children thrive and grow into responsible adults, or otherwise.

Responsibility for children's rights and wellbeing extends beyond that of family to local and central government, non-government and community organisations.

There are many things that can be achieved at local/community level to ensure that children receive the support they need to develop well, are protected from harm and are actively included in the life of their community/city.

Some factors that support CFCC are that children and young people can:

• Influence decisions about their community/city
• Express their opinions on the community/city they want
• Participate in family, community/city and social life
• Be safe in their community/city
• Be protected from exploitation, violence and abuse
• Meet friends and have places and spaces to play and enjoy themselves
• Have green spaces for plants and animals
• Live in a clean, unpolluted environment
• Participate in the cultural and social life of the community/city
• Be an equal citizen, with access to every service regardless of their ethnic origin, religion, income, gender or ability
  

For more information check out http://www.childfriendlycities.org