UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)
Media Release
Wednesday March 13, 2013

UNICEF NZ Celebrates 20 Years of Kiwi Kids’ Rights

Earlier today UNICEF NZ and students of Khandallah School, held a celebration to mark 20 years since New Zealand ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) – an international treaty which aims to promote and protect the rights of children.

On March 13, 1993, as part of the school’s 100th anniversary celebrations, Hon Don McKinnon (Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time and former pupil of Khandallah School) signed the ratification document on behalf of the NZ Government.

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director of UNICEF NZ, presented the school with a framed certificate this morning commemorating the signing of the UNCROC, 20 years ago at the school. In Mr McKinnon’s absence, his brother, John McKinnon, made a short speech before cake and music were shared to mark the occasion.

Mr McKinlay said, “It’s only fitting that we celebrate the signing of this important document with children, and we’re thrilled that Khandallah students and teachers have been part of this occasion once more.

“Children in New Zealand are born with fundamental freedoms including the right to good health, education, a safe home and protection. UNICEF NZ is proud that New Zealand ratified the UNCROC in 1993, recognising the importance of children’s rights in everyday life and in our legislation.

“Some good progress has been made since then by successive Governments, but we hope that the next 20 years will see much bigger and braver steps taken by those who lead our country in policy and decision making, to improve the lives of all children in New Zealand.”

Louise Green, Khandallah School Principal, said “We are delighted to be part of the 20th anniversary celebrations. It is a great occasion to celebrate with our students and gives us another opportunity to teach our kids more about the rights of children in New Zealand.

“We are mindful of our student’s rights at Khandallah School and it is our honour to have the signing of the UNCROC in our school’s history.”

In the lead up to the event, UNICEF NZ has gifted each child at Khandallah School the New Zealand publication 'For Each and Every Child - He Taonga Tonu te Tamariki', a picture book explaining children’s rights to educate the students.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified UN human rights treaty ever. New Zealand’s government is required to uphold the Convention to ensure the best interests of children in New Zealand are central to policy and legislation.

-Ends-

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