Council pledges commitment to UN children's rights
BBCSenior leaders at Cornwall Council have pledged a commitment to a United Nations agreement on the fundamental rights of every child.
The council formally adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a legally binding international agreement outlining a child's rights, on Thursday.
Councillor Hilary Frank, cabinet member for children, schools and families, said young people had pointed out areas that had not crossed their minds before.
"Their voices have really helped shape our decisions, and that experience, we really want to build on," she said.
Frank added: "I've said many times I don't want this to be just some tick box exercise.
"It really has to make a difference."
The council said the convention provided a global framework that sets out the rights of every child, recognising them as individuals and not just as dependents on adults.
The authority said it existed to "protect them and create opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential".
Council leader councillor Leigh Frost signed the documents.
Rosie, from Cornwall Youth Council, said the move would break the stereotypes and misconceptions of what adults think children want.
She said: "I hope to see children's rights are more respected and they're properly considered in decisions.
"It's what we actually want, young people to have a voice and that we are listened in day-to-day decisions involving us."
The decision to adopt the UNCRC was made on 27 December.
Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].
