In November 1989, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) became the first international convention to set down and protect the fundamental rights of children, such as the right to an education and the right to good quality health care, clean water and nutritious food.
The CRC sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. Nations that ratify this international convention are bound to it by international law.
The CRC has transformed the status of children globally through:
- helping to decrease child mortality rates
- raising awareness and better protection for children in conflict
- strengthening the drive for universal education
- asserting legislative action to combat exploitation of children.
The Australian Government is showing its commited to prtecting the rights of children. The government funds programs around the world to help children break the cycle of poverty. More information on Australia's commitment [PDF 138kb].
On 19 November, UNICEF Australia launched its '20/20' photography exhibition, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the CRC.
Taking place along the foreshore at Darling Harbour in Sydney until Monday 30 November 2009, the exhibition shows the drawings and photographs of children from 32 countries in five continents around the world, including children from Sydney's La Perouse Public School.
For the exhibition, 500 children were given a black piece of paper and a white pencil and were asked to draw a self-portrait. The exhibition of drawings and photographs shows that–regardless of race, colour, gender, language or ethnicity–every child is equal.
More information
Human Rights Small Grants Scheme
Video: More than words
UNICEF Australia