Cornwall Council has formally adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to help create a better future for our children and young people.
The Convention provides a global framework that sets out and protects the rights of every child, recognising them as individuals with their own rights, not just as dependents of adults.
It exists to give children unique rights that protect them and create opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, signed the paperwork officially adopting UNCRC alongside members of Cornwall Youth Council at a special event on Thursday, January 29.
Adopting the UNCRC in Cornwall will ensure that:
- Children’s best interests are considered in all policies and actions (Article 3)
- Children’s voices are heard and taken seriously in decisions that affect them (Article 12)
- Our services promote children’s health, education, safety, and equality (Articles 6, 24, 27, 28).
Bradley, a member of Cornwall Youth Council and Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Cornwall, stressed how important adopting UNCRC is for him and his peers.
The 15-year-old, who attended one of Cornwall’s Gold Rights Respecting Primary Schools, said:
“The UNCRC is vital because it protects vulnerable groups and sets out how children should be treated in important decisions. Children’s rights aren’t about doing whatever you want—they’re about respect, awareness, and being treated fairly.
“Learning about children’s rights gave me the confidence to speak up, learn to make decisions, and take on roles I never imagined before. Being in a rights-respecting school made everyone more aware of the UNCRC and how we should treat each other.”
The move to adopt the UNCRC has been welcomed by Cornwall Youth Council.
Members said:
“Children only have one chance at childhood; we need to ensure this is as good as we can make it. We aren’t just the future, we are the present.”
Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, said:
“I am incredibly proud of all the work that has been going on in Cornwall to protect children’s rights and make sure young people always have their voices heard when it comes to decisions that affect them.
“Formally adopting UNCRC really cements this and shows how committed we are to creating a better future for our children.”
For more information visit the children's rights pages on the council's website.
For more about how to become a rights respecting school, visit The Rights Respecting Schools Award | UNICEF UK