New report finds little evidence of progress on children’s rights issues in England- Unicef UK responds
12 March 2019- A report published today by Just for Kids Law and the Children’s Rights Alliance for England finds little evidence of progress on children’s rights issues in England over the past year. Unicef UK responds:
Sophie Gallois, Deputy Executive Director, Unicef UK, said:
“We are deeply concerned by the findings within the ‘State of Children’s Rights 2018. Which suggests that while the Government continues to focus on Brexit, it is not addressing important children’s rights issues, such as the rising number of children living in poverty, school exclusions, and the rise in mental health diagnoses amongst young people.
“This means that children’s fundamental human rights, such as their right to a clean environment, to a home and a safe place to live, their right to play and education, and their right to be protected from abuse and harm are being side-lined.
“It is vital that the UK Government focuses attention and resources on addressing the issues outlined in this report and puts the safety and wellbeing of children at the centre of policy decisions.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]
Clare Quarrell, 020, 7017, 1747 [email protected]
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK.
For more information please visit unicef.org.uk