Children and young people deserve to be protected from harm, but this in itself is not enough.
 
We must recognise that children and young people are the holders of a wide range of rights, including the right to express their views and to participate in the making of decisions which affect them. 

We welcome the appointment of the Children’s Commissioner for England & Wales and the post of Minister for Children, Young People and Families. We hope these individuals will provide a strong voice for children's rights. 
 
Aspects of the Government’s "Respect" agenda are leading to the demonisation of children, reinforcing divisions between generations and damaging young people's respect for law and order.

This is why we have fought against child curfew law (which sweeps up the innocent with the guilty) Asbos, and the naming and shaming of children. If we want more respect in society we need to start by respecting our young people.