§ Baroness Rawlingsasked Her Majesty's Government:
In light of the recent report published by UNICEF, what action they are taking to give children around the world a greater role in decision-making about their future. [HL854]
§ Baroness AmosThe UK welcomes the UNICEF report on child participation.
In line with its commitments under Article 12 of the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) the UK is fully committed to ensuring that children's views are taken into consideration when making any decision that will affect them. We have sought to lead the international community by example in this area.
We sent two young people to South Africa to attend the World Conference Against Racism as part of the UK delegation. We also sent two young people to attend the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children as members of the UK delegation in 2001. Chapter 8 of the FCO's Annual Human Rights Report 2002 provides more detailed information on the range of work HMG undertake to promote child rights world-wide. In 2002, that included support for 30 projects in 24 countries worth over £1 million.