The consultation sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposals for a ‘Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure’. If passed, the Measure will require the Assembly Government to have due regard to the UNCRC in areas of its work. The areas will be set out in a scheme which will need to get the agreement of the National Assembly for Wales.
The Measure will mean that the Assembly Government will have to consider carrying out particular parts of its work in a way that helps to achieve the rights in the UNCRC. It will be the first government in the United Kingdom to be under this type of duty.
The former First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, announced in July 2009 that the Assembly Government would ‘explore further the possibility of introducing a Measure to embed the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into law”
On the launch of the consultation, Leighton Andrews said:
“The Measure would take forward into Welsh law the Assembly Government’s commitment to ensuring that children and young people’s rights are given the high importance they deserve in the Assembly Government’s work. It once again proves that Wales is leading the way, finding new ways to strengthen the rights of children and young people “.
Huw Lewis said:
“This consultation shows our clear commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child here in Wales.
“We want to ensure that children and young people have the rights which they deserve, helping them to live a happy and successful future here in Wales.
“We are keen to hear everyone’s views, including children and young people. Children and young people of all ages have a right to say what they think about the issues which affect their lives, and for those views to be taken into account when decisions about their futures are made.”
17 March 2010
