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TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

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ROBERT McCLELLAND MP
MINISTER FOR FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS

JENNY MACKLIN MP
MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, CHILD CARE AND YOUTH

KATE ELLIS MP
20 November 2009
 
TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
 
The Australian Government today welcomed the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
 
Australia was among the first nations to become a party to the Convention in December 1990, which has now been ratified by over 190 countries.
 
The Convention clearly demonstrates the international community’s commitment to ensuring the protection of children’s rights.
 
The Rudd Government is committed to ensuring children in Australia live in safe and supportive environments, free from abuse and neglect through the first ever National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020, endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments in April.
 
The National Framework seeks to involve children and young people in decisions affecting their lives and the Government is exploring the potential role of a National Children’s Commissioner.
 
The Government is continuing to address the difficulties faced by children in vulnerable situations, including Indigenous children, children living without homes and children from homes which have been unable to provide for all their basic needs.
 
The Government’s apology this week to those who suffered abuse and neglect as children in institutional care: the Forgotten Australians and former child migrants recognised that the protection of our children is paramount.
 
The Government is committed to helping Australia’s more than 2.7 million young people play a full role in Australian life.  It is very important we continue to ensure young Australians reach their full potential and that the most effective policies, programs and services are in place to respond to their specific life circumstances and needs.
 
The Australian Government also paid tribute to the work done by non-government organisations to improve the lives of children, both in Australia and abroad.
 
Australia is also a party to the Convention’s Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
 
 
Media Contact:           Daniel Gleeson (McClelland)             0409 562 425
                                    Jessica Walker (Macklin)                   0430 166 633
                                    Jayne Stinson (Ellis)                           0458 547 512