Using the UN Convention on the Rights of Children to improve the health of children

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) is a comprehensive document in which 42 articles describe the civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of children. It was passed by the UN in 1989, signed by the UK in 1990, and ratified by the UK in 1991. Each country that has ratified the convention is subject to a regular examination process, somewhat analogous to an audit, to assess its progress in implementing the UNCRC. In this paper we will consider how paediatricians can use the UNCRC, and the examination process, to improve the health and health care of children. Training, raising awareness of rights, and audit are explored as ways to drive improvement in health services. The role of paediatricians in advocacy and research are explored as tools in informing and changing public health policy. The UNCRC is a powerful tool and driver to improve the health and welfare of children and young people and the health services we provide for them. All paediatricians need to acquaint themselves with the Convention, and take time to reflect on its relevance to their own area of paediatric practice.