The introduction of the Bill into the House of Lords last week coincided with the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which is the most widely adopted legal instrument for protecting children's rights.
The Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE), which includes over 250 organisations such as Save the Children, NSPCC and NCB, is working for the full implementation of the UNCRC.
Their annual report, State of children's rights in England, published on Friday, cites criminal justice, equality, media reporting, asylum-seeking and child abuse as areas where children's human rights are being failed.
The Government last week launched its long-term vision for promoting children's rights in a document called Working Together, Achieving More. Separate regional papers highlight the progress made in commitment to the UNCRC and set out future plans.
Children's minister Delyth Morgan said, 'We know childhood isn't good for every child, and we will continue to focus on the problems that exist for some.'
The NCB celebrated achievements since the UK ratified the UNCRC in 1991 but identified 'significant shortcomings' in the national children's rights framework.
Barbara Hearn, NCB deputy chief executive, said, 'Advancement of the UNCRC is at the heart of all NCB policy priorities. Lobbying for improved transport, addressing the welfare/justice divide, seeking well-being in schools and sustainable lifestyles and improving children's early years are all goals with wide-reaching implications for children's fundamental and inalienable rights.'
Further information
http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk and http://www.crae.org.uk
