The Children's Commissioner for England

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most important international treaty that has been ever been generated to protect children worldwide. And this year is the 20th anniversary since it was created.

Our government in the UK signed the Convention in 1990. So, what's it all about? Well, it sets a roadmap as to how children should be seen in society. It gives them promises from governments of protection, provision and participation. For example, one of the rights is to make sure children are listened to when important decisions are taken that affect them.

Every five years, every government that has signed up to the Convention is put under the microscope by the United Nations in Geneva and last year was a key year for us.

I'm pleased to report that very substantial progress was noted by the United Nations over how we are regarding children in this country. We have important legislation; we have important policies and we have big investment in children's services, but we know there is still a great deal to be done. And the challenge really is how do we make sure people understand how the human rights issues can be made real?

So this year is very important. November the 20th is very important and I encourage you all to look at the UNCRC, understand the 42 articles it contains and, above all, put them into practice.

With thanks to the Children's Rights Alliance for England for the footage of children and young people who appear in this film.