Messages of support
A lot of people in England think that children’s rights are really important and that the action children and young people are taking to push for their rights is something worth shouting about! Here are some of the people who are supporting us.
Benjamin Zephaniah, poet, novelist and playwright
''Children in our country are getting a bad deal, and some people think that we can make ourselves feel better by comparing our children with children in other countries that are less fortunate than ours. This is just not good enough. We must do all that we can to improve the rights of children in Britain and worldwide and the first thing that we should do is start listening to what children themselves have to say. I'm in alliance with the children. ''Benjamin Zephaniah, poet, novelist and playwright
David Bull, Executive Director, UNICEF UK
''Children and young people have the right to have their voices heard on issues that affect them. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child reporting process offers us an opportunity to show that active participation of children and young people really works and how young people can be leaders and take an active role in achieving positive change for children.''David Bull, Executive Director, UNICEF UK
Libby Brooks, journalist and author
''It sometimes feels like we've forgotten in this country that children are people too - and that small people, and not-so-small ones, deserve the same respect and attention that adults expect others to extend to them. Children's rights are poorly served in Britain. Children are the only people who can, by law, be hit. It's extraordinary that someone not old enough to buy a hamster can be tried in an adult court, or named and shamed in direct contravention of their internationally recognised human rights. But it's no use speaking for children. Children can speak for themselves.''Libby Brooks, journalist and author
Nicky Cox, Editor, First News
''It's so important that children and young people are given a voice. At First News we feel passionately that the nation's youngest citizens should be talked to and listened to more. They should be treated with respect and understanding which is why I'm delighted to support this initiative.''Nicky Cox, Editor, First News
Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children’s Commissioner for England
''I'm right behind this exciting project. I'm confident children and young people across England will get their messages loud and clear to the United Nations. But the work won’t stop there. We need to make sure the Government acts on the UN’s advice and recommendations. That's where I hope I can be of most assistance.''Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children’s Commissioner for England
Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty
''The Convention on the Rights of the Child should never become a dusty volume on a shelf. It is a brilliant and inspiring framework; protecting the rights and promoting the development of young people everywhere. I wish success to the next generation of human rights defenders as they breathe new life into its pages.''Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty
Trevor Phillips, Chair, Equality and Human Rights Commission
''I am delighted to see children and young people taking the lead on this important project. The UN Committee’s examination is a great opportunity to push forward the agenda on children’s human rights, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission is keen to learn from the results when they appear in 2008.''Trevor Phillips, Chair, Equality and Human Rights Commission
