CRC@30: Thirty years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Thirty years supporting the rights of every child
In 1989, world leaders adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – an international agreement on childhood.
The CRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and has helped transform the lives of children. It has inspired governments to change laws and policies and to make investments so that more children receive the nutrition, health care, education and protection they need to survive and reach their potential. It has also enabled more children to have their voices heard and actively participate in issues that matter and affect them.
‘Then’ and ‘Now’: Thirty years of the CRC
But there is still much more to be done. Childhood is rather different than what it was thirty years ago, and today’s children face new challenges. Global trends like digital technologies, environmental change, conflicts and mass migration are dramatically impacting the lives of children.
In 2019, we must look ahead to the future of childhood and promise to fulfil the rights of every child now, and for future generations.
CRC@30: revitalizing our promise for every child
The 30th anniversary of the CRC provides a unique opportunity for governments and partners to reaffirm their commitment to fully implement the CRC and to call for meaningful policy change and concrete solution towards realising the rights of children.
UNICEF and the European Union (EU) are joining efforts to celebrate 30 years of progress for child rights, to look at new challenges and propose solutions. Children and young people are closely associated to this work. In particular, the EU and UNICEF will launch an innovative campaign on social media in this fall; there will be a high-level event during the UN General Assembly; and the European Parliament will celebrate the CRC@30 on the day of its adoption, November 20.