Act now for children’s rights

Children and young people involved in the design of this website wanted a small section for adults – to educate and inspire you to take more action to promote and protect children and young people’s human rights.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of this website – we’re sure you’ll have fun and learn a lot!

• Frequently asked questions
• Important documents
• CRAE publishes report on the implementation of children’s rights in England

10 things adults can do for children’s rights

Use the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as your guide. It gives children and young people over 40 substantive rights and says they must be treated with respect, dignity and justice.

Treat children and young people as equals – respect what they have to say and take their views seriously.

Make time to understand children and young people’s ideas and concerns – don’t assume adults always have the best solutions.

Know where to access good information and support to protect children and young people’s rights – see our links section

Remember the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is about more than just listening to children and young people: it gives every child and young person the right to the very best childhood.

Understand that children and young people are experts on their own lives and have the right to be involved in all decisions that affect them.

Always put the child and young person’s needs and rights ahead of the interests of your organisation.

If you want to be understood, talk and write in a straightforward way.

Support children and young people to access and influence decision-makers. Do what you can to ensure decision-makers fulfil their promises.

Answer children and young people’s questions honestly. If you have asked their views, give them good, clear information about what will happen next. Later, tell them what, if anything, has been achieved as a result of their involvement.