Agenda item

To consider a motion on notice submitted by Cllr Duncan Sowry-House. 

Full Council received the following Notice of Motion proposed by Cllr D Sowry-House, seconded by Cllr C Sutton and supported by Cllr Belinda Bawden, Cllr Les Fry, Cllr Hannah Hobbs-Chell, Cllr Pete Roper, Cllr Rob Hughes, Cllr Kate Wheller, Cllr Paul Kimber, Cllr Noc Lacey-Clarke, Cllr Nick Ireland, Cllr Stella Jones, Cllr Ryan Hope, Cllr Steve Robinson, Cllr Gill Taylor, Cllr Simon Clifford, Cllr Bridget Bolwell, Cllr Dave Bolwell, Cllr Louise Bown, Cllr Will Chakawhata, Cllr Neil Eysenck, Cllr Beryl Ezzard, Cllr Scott Florek, Cllr Alex Fuhrmann, Cllr Sally Holland, Cllr Jack Jeans, Cllr David Taylor, Cllr David Tooke, Cllr Sarah Williams, Cllr Matt Bell, Cllr Andy Todd, Cllr Richard Crabb and Cllr Chris Kippax.

 

Motion Narrative and Action Required

 

This council recognises the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as a fundamental framework for the protection and promotion of children's rights globally. As Dorset Council, we are committed to ensuring that all children and young people within our jurisdiction are afforded the rights and protections enshrined in the UNCRC.

 

Background:

 

The UNCRC, adopted in 1989, outlines the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children. It emphasises the importance of children's voices in matters that affect them and acknowledges their right to a safe environment, education, and health care.

 

Whereas:

·       The UNCRC has been ratified by 196 countries, making it the most widely accepted human rights treaty in history.

·       Children are a vulnerable group requiring specific rights and protections to ensure their well-being and development.

·       Upholding the UNCRC aligns with our commitment to human rights, social justice, and the welfare of all residents.

·       The local authority has an obligation to consider the best interests of the child in all decisions and policies affecting them.

 

Motion

That this Council: -

1.   Affirms its commitment to the principals and provisions of the UNCRC and integrates these into local policies and practices, complimenting the delivery of Dorset Council’s 10 yr plan for children, young people and families, aiming to be a Rights Respecting Authority.

 

2.   Establishes a Children’s Rights Committee to oversee the implementation of the UNCRC within our authority, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes. This will include developing some of our young people as ‘Rights Respecting Ambassadors as well as a Children’s rights impact assessment.

 

3.   Signposts training and awareness programs for council members and staff on the importance of children's rights and the UNCRC.

 

4.   Engages with local communities, schools, and organisations to promote understanding of children's rights and encourage active participation from children in matters that affect them.

 

5.   Declares that Corporate Parents as duty bearers, capturing all our children and young people, we uphold the United Nations Convention of The Rights of The Child and identify as a Rights Respecting Authority.

 

6.   Requires that all policies, procedures and interactions involving our children and young people are mindful of relevant articles from the UNCRC

 

By adopting this motion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating an environment where all children can thrive, ensuring their rights are respected and upheld in our community.

 

End of Motion

 

Conclusion:

 

We urge all council members to support this motion to uphold the UNCRC, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding the rights of every child and young person in our care and fostering a society where they can reach their full potential.

 

In accordance with procedure rule 14.3 (a) the Notice of Motion, upon being proposed and seconded was debated by Full Council. Members broadly supported the motion and upon being put to the vote the motion was approved.

 

Decision

 

That this Council: -

1.   Affirms its commitment to the principals and provisions of the UNCRC and integrates these into local policies and practices, complimenting the delivery of Dorset Council’s 10 yr plan for children, young people and families, aiming to be a Rights Respecting Authority.

 

2.   Establishes a Children’s Rights Committee to oversee the implementation of the UNCRC within our authority, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes. This will include developing some of our young people as ‘Rights Respecting Ambassadors as well as a Children’s rights impact assessment.

 

3.   Signposts training and awareness programs for council members and staff on the importance of children's rights and the UNCRC.

 

4.   Engages with local communities, schools, and organisations to promote understanding of children's rights and encourage active participation from children in matters that affect them.

 

5.   Declares that Corporate Parents as duty bearers, capturing all our children and young people, we uphold the United Nations Convention of The Rights of The Child and identify as a Rights Respecting Authority.

 

6.   Requires that all policies, procedures and interactions involving our children and young people are mindful of relevant articles from the UNCRC.