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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), an influential international treaty adopted in 1989, recognises the fundamental rights of all children. The treaty, consisting of 54 articles, covers a broad spectrum of children's rights, including rights to life, education, health, and protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse.
The UK ratified the UNCRC in 1991, thereby committing itself to uphold these rights and take necessary steps to ensure their application in all aspects of life. Consequently, the principles of the UNCRC have become the bedrock of national laws, policies, and practices related to children within the UK.
The Children Act 1989 and 2004, for instance, embody the rights and principles espoused in the UNCRC. These acts prioritise child welfare, underscore parental responsibilities, and promote interagency cooperation for children's welfare.
In addition, the UK government bears a statutory obligation to ensure all new legislation aligns with the rights laid out in the UNCRC. In a noteworthy move in 2021, the Welsh Government incorporated the UNCRC into Welsh law. Consequently, all Welsh public bodies are required to consider children’s rights in all their actions and decisions.
In conclusion, the UNCRC provides a robust international standard for children's rights, significantly influencing child protection policies, laws, and practices in the UK.
