Every child deserves the right to grow up in Queensland happy, safe and thriving. Children’s Week recognises the contributions young people make and reflects the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and how these apply to everyday lives.
Children’s Week 2020 is guided by the UNCRC Article 15 – Children have the right to meet together and join groups and organisations as long as it does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. In exercising their rights, children have the responsibility to respect the rights, freedom and reputations of others.
Children’s Week State Ambassador Cheryl Vardon said that while the week brings specific attention to the UNCRC Article 15 it also shines a light on all the rights listed out in the convention.
“It is important for children to understand their rights and responsibilities in order to keep them safe and succeeding. As a community it’s our job to make sure the rights of children are upheld and understood particularly in these challenging times,” Ms Vardon said.
“Often we don’t actively think about helping young people understand their rights and responsibilities.
“This year we have schools and services right across Queensland actively participating and leading activities helping children explore and understand their rights and the responsibilities which go with them.”
Children’s Rights Queensland (CRQ) President Dan Marais said organisations, communities and individuals come together during Children’s Week to raise awareness of the needs, rights and achievements of children and engage, empower and support them and their communities.
“Children’s Week is great time for us to come together and celebrate children and their rights,” Mr Marais said.
“As part of Children’s Week there is a range of activities to engage young Queenslanders in important conversations about their rights.”
This year more than 110 schools and early childhood services are participating in the week, including through the ‘TypeRights’ alphabet initiative. Children aged between 3-18 are encouraged to design their favourite letter of the alphabet using drawings or artwork to express what is important to them with the UNCRC as a guide for creativity.
Kingston State School Principal Trent Cowley said students at the school were excited to take part in the TypeRights initiative.
“It is so important that children are engaged through fun and educational activities like these because it helps empower them while gaining valuable knowledge about their rights which carries them through life,” Mr Cowley said.
Further activities will also be taking place across the state and are listed on the Children’s Rights Queensland website.
For more information about Children’s Week or to get involved head to childrensrightsqld.org.au. Children’s Week runs from Saturday 24 October – 1 November 2020.
ENDS
Media contact – Queensland Family and Child Commission and Children’s Rights Queensland
Kirby Orr
kirby.orr@qfcc.qld.gov.au
0434 683 265
