child rights ecosystem
Get to know the child rights landscape
The idea that children have rights is a relatively new one in human history, but one that has the potential to transform societies and create a fairer world. We need collective action to make this change real. Luckily in Australia there are many organisations taking action – read more about some of them below.
Australian child rights taskforce
The Australian Child Rights Taskforce is the peak body for child rights in Australia. The Taskforce advocates for the promotion and fulfilment of child rights in Australia. Its core role is monitoring and reporting to the United Nations on progress made by the Australian Government.
unicef australia
UNICEF Australia co-convenes the Taskforce, working with other key organisations and individuals. UNICEF is the United Nations agency for children and has a global mandate to protect children’s rights.
children's report
The Taskforce’s Children’s Report 2019 is the most recent comprehensive stocktake of children’s rights in Australia compiled by civil society.
The most recent comprehensive United Nations recommendations about children’s rights in Australia are in the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child’s 2019 Concluding Observations on Australia.
Children's commissions
national children's commissioner
The National Children’s Commissioner is the independent office-holder who is responsible for promoting respect for children’s rights in Australia. The National Children’s Commissioner is part of the Australian Human Rights Commission. The Children’s Rights Report 2019 – In Their Own Right: Children’s Rights in Australia is the most recent comprehensive stocktake of children’s rights in Australia compiled by the Commission. The current National Children’s Commissioner is Anne Hollonds.
National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
A National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People is currently being established. The Commission will be led by a Commissioner and will protect the rights, interests and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates
Statutory Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates have monitoring and other responsibilities relating to children in each state and territory. Their individual functions and focuses vary, but all have an important role in ensuring government accountability for the treatment of children.
Australian organisations working in child rights
