The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most signed up to Convention in the history of the world (as we know it). Article 12 which says that children and young people have the right to have their say about decisions that affect them is the statement upon which the last 10 years of my career is predicated upon. It is something about which I am passionate.
While eating crispy toast and talking this morning I thought I heard a snippet on the radio about how the UK was going to pull out of the Convention. I was surprised about the feeling of panic that gripped my stomach and in my head groups of young people were already marching on Downing Street.
Such was my dismay that husband recognised the pointlessness in trying to enagage me in converstaion and I dashed to check on BBC. Relief and joy…
The UK has only ever partially signed up to the Convention – this has meant that there has been a loophole for children and young people who were asylum seekers or migrants. It has meant that our country has been allowed to lock these children up without judicial scrutiny.
Now we are completely obliged at all times, with all children to put their needs first, thus protecting all children, but some of the most vulnerable who were previously not protected.
This is a happy day for workers like me – and for all children and young people in the country.