The United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child is the one international law agreement that is solely focussed on protecting the rights, interests and development of children and young people. As such, it is fundamental to all work undertaken and all services provided by the NCYLC.
The Convention was adopted as an international human rights treaty on 20 November 1989. Australia is one of 192 countries to have ratified the Convention, which has been ratified by more countries than any other human rights treaty in history. At this stage its Articles have not been enacted into Australian law; however upon ratification, a country becomes a ‘State Party’ to the Convention, obliged to ensure that their laws fully comply with the articles of the Convention. The Convention provides for rights such as youth participation, education, freedom from discrimination and other standard human rights. It also emphasises the importance of the family within this rights-context.
Since the Centre's inception, it has been involved in advocating for the Convention's inclusion into Australian law. The NCYLC is committed to ensuring that the Convention remains key to government decision-making, and the work of non-government organisations that are involved with children and young people.
Click here to view the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, through the AustLII server.
In 1999, the NCYLC became an active member of the CROC10 Network, established to mark the 10th anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Convention. This coalition consisted of approximately 15 organisations and non-government organisations seeking to organise a range of events to mark the anniversary, and Australia's ratification thereof.
2009 marks the Convention’s 20th anniversary. The NCYLC hopes that this occasion will result in a process of formal and complete enactment into Australian Municipal law. Watch this space…