The UK has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This means they’ve officially signed up to it. This does not guarantee that the rights in it will be respected and fulfilled. This is because the Convention is not yet incorporated into English law.
In January 2026 Cornwall Council formally adopted the UNCRC. This means that Cornwall Council promises to consider the rights of children in everything it does. This will help ensure that the children of Cornwall are protected, treated fairly, and listened to. The UNCRC will help guide the decision-makers in Cornwall, at the Council, at schools, and in other services. Young people’s best interests will be a priority.
What does a children’s rights approach look like?
The principles of a children's rights approach are:
- Embedding children's rights. This means thinking about children's rights from the start of any Council work. This covers planning and delivering all the services for the people of Cornwall.
- Equality and non-discrimination. This means making sure that every child has the opportunity to be the best they can be.
- Empowering children. This means supporting children to know about their rights and helping them to access their rights.
- Participation. This means listening to children and taking their views seriously.
- Accountability. This means that the Council is answerable to children for decisions and actions that affect their lives.
How will this benefit children?
The Council recognises the importance of children’s rights in its work. One of the Council’s work priorities is for Cornwall to be “A caring place for families where children build a bright future”. The Council is working hard to ensure that all children:
- Are given opportunities to make the most of their talents and potential
- Can access information and resources to help them take advantage of their rights
- Are provided meaningful opportunities to influence decisions about their lives
Children’s Rights Team
We have a team whose job it is to work on Children’s Rights in Cornwall. Some of the things they do are:
- raising awareness of children’s rights in Cornwall
- providing information about children’s rights
- working with council staff and organisations like schools and charities. This helps ensure that children’s rights are promoted and upheld
- encouraging children and young people to express their views and influence decisions.
- providing opportunities, activities and support to enable their participation
To contact the Children’s Right Team email childrensrights@cornwall.gov.uk.
Right On!
You may see the Right On! logo on leaflets, posters and social media posts. We are producing a range of resources to raise awareness of Children’s Rights.