NZ not using Convention on Rights of Child as a framework (20 Jan 2011)

NZ not using Convention on Rights of Child as a framework (20 Jan 2011)

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has commented that New Zealand is not using the Convention on the Right of the Child as a framework for policies and programmes affecting children.

Opening a Committee session reviewing how New Zealand is implementing the provisions of the Convention in Geneva on 19 January 2011, committee expert Maria Herzcog noted that, while 'the majority of children were living well and in a safe and protective environment where their rights were respected', improvements were needed and serious challenges remained regarding some of the most vulnerable children. She observed that the Convention on the Rights of the Child 'was not used as a framework when developing strategies', 'the collection of data, evaluation, child budgeting and outcome measurement was missing' and 'awareness about children's rights and the dissemination of the principles and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child did not seem to be a priority'.

She also noted that 'the participation of children in decision making and the widespread acknowledgement of the importance of their opinion were also lacking. Children themselves were expressing the need for greater awareness of the Convention and to be listened to, in their opinion sent to the Committee.'

See unofficial record.