Messages delivered to Prime Minister to mark year of action on children's rights

The messages were hand delivered to Downing Street by 19 children on Friday (16 December), marking the 20th anniversary of the UK formally agreeing to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Phooja Khatri, a 15-year-old from Harrow, said: "Politicians and adults go to Downing Street but for children and young people to be here on such an eventful day is really meaningful and a huge honour. It is so important that young people are heard by politicians."

The year of action is headed by a coalition of organisations including the British Youth Council, Children England and Unicef as well as the children’s commissioner for England. The coalition is calling for greater awareness and respect for children's rights in England.

Rory Murray, 18, from Bracknell, said: "It’s an important moment to mark the 20th anniversary. A lot has been achieved in 20 years, especially around giving children the special protection they need, but much more needs to be done. In the next 20 years I hope to see the UNCRC brought into our domestic law. The government is getting there on listening to children but they still have a long way to go."