Every 5 years, the UN Committee for the CRC asks that countries that have ratified the CRC make a report. This report looks at how Aotearoa/New Zealand is doing in all law, policies and practices that affect children and youth under the age of 18 years. The report goes to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child who then comment and make recommendations for improvement.

The next periodic report from Aotearoa/New Zealand is due in November 2009. In New Zealand the Ministry of Youth Development takes responsibility for government’s reporting to the Committee for the CRC. Save the Children New Zealand is on an advisory board to the Ministry of Youth Development alongside other NGO groups from the child and youth sector.

Following the government report, non-government organisations are invited to present a report to the committee. This report must be submitted within 6 months of the government report. As in previous years ACYA is coordinating the NGO report. Save the Children New Zealand supports ACYA through our membership and our advocacy and facilitation of children’s participation in the reporting process. We are committed to ensuring that children participate and are fairly represented in reporting processes to ensure positive development in Aotearoa/New Zealand of children’s rights.

ACYA (Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa)

ACYA is a coalition of New Zealand NGO’s, organisations, families and individuals whose purpose is to promote the wellbeing of children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand through:

1. Education and advocacy on the rights of children and young people;

2. Encouraging the government to act on the recommendations of the UNCRC

As in 1999 and 2003 ACYA is co-ordinating the New Zealand NGO report to the UN Committee for 2008. Save the Children New Zealand supports ACYA through our membership and our advocacy and facilitation of children’s participation in the reporting process.

Click here for more information on ACYA