"End scandal of children's rights" says Burnham

9.00.00am GMT Thu 6th Nov 2008

Welsh Liberal Democrat Eleanor Burnham AM has called for an end to the scandal of children in Wales being denied access to their rights.

Speaking in the Assembly, Eleanor - the Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Children and Young People - was highlighting comments in a report which show that the rights bestowed on children and young people under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are still not being fully implemented in Wales.

Ms. Burnham, AM for North Wales said, "Despite the significance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a study has shown that only 8% of young people in Wales have had it explained to them at school. Article 42 actually states that all children and young people should be made aware of their proper rights, and if schools aren't delivering this then who else is? How can rights be accessed if they are not fully understood?

"Whilst some prior recommendations have been implemented, I feel we are dragging our feet here in Wales. The Committee's findings can provide us with a wealth of knowledge and best practice from other countries that we should try to make best use of as much as possible. After all, there is no point in reinventing the wheel if there are great examples that we can follow from elsewhere.

"I am convinced that we in Wales could be doing more to address the points the Committee's report raises. The Legislative Competence Order on Vulnerable Children is already behind schedule.

"The Labour-Plaid Assembly Government must take its responsibilities to children and young people seriously by taking prompt action to implement the rights enshrined in the UNCRC.

"The current situation is scandalous."