On 16 December, to mark the start of the Right Year for Children, 20 young campaigners went to 10 Downing Street to hand David Cameron messages from thousands of children across the UK. Here’s what they thought of the day.
Olivia, 15, Hook – “I thought this morning was brilliant. A lot of young people don't get the opportunity to go to Number 10 so it’s exciting. I hope the Prime Minister takes all our messages into account and takes some action. The Government should ask children and young people about what they think more than they do."
Young campaigners deliver your messages to Downing Street. © Clare Struthers / Right Year For Children
Rhea, 15, Hook – “It was quite exciting to be at Number 10. I felt proud to be representing the views of thousands of children across the UK. I hope the Government actually makes some changes for children after reading all our messages."
Shivani, 15, Newham – “This was a really exciting opportunity. We are the voices of the future and our ideas and views should be heard."
Kadeem, 15, Newham – “I felt excited to put across the opinions of lots of children. The UNCRC is important and it sets out everything a child is entitled to and makes sure adults don't compromise these rights."
Joshua, 11, Fleet – “It was fun and exciting to be here today. It is important for the Prime Minister to hear what children think as he is the one who can make changes for children."
Lucy, 9, Fleet – “I felt proud to be handing over the messages from children across the UK. I felt like I was doing something really important and something to help children everywhere."
Alex, 10, Fleet – “I hope the Prime Minister reads all our messages and listens and learns from them."
Francesca, 11, Fleet - "I think it's important that the Prime Minister should know what children think about their rights. Since we have been learning about rights at my school, children think more about their behaviour and we know that all children have rights."
Rory, 18, Bracknell – “It’s an important moment to mark the 20th anniversary. A lot has been achieved in 20 years especially around giving children the special protection they need but much more needs to be done. In the next 20 years I hope to see the UNCRC brought into our domestic law. The Government is getting there on listening to children but they still have a long way to go."
Dominic, 18, Bournemouth – “It’s exciting to be part of this moment, that we are being listened to and that the Government is marking this as an important moment too. I hope that this marks the start of a lot more Government cooperation on respecting children’s rights."
Sam, 15, Harringay – “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to give a message to the Prime Minister. It’s important that children have a voice and that the Government knows children’s opinions."
Hambel, 12, Forest Fields, Nottingham – “I really enjoyed going to Number 10 today. Children have rights and we should be listened to. I hope that these messages give more importance to children’s rights."
Christopher, 17, Knowsley – “It’s been amazing to be here today. It’s a really important moment for children and young people – every child has a voice and should be listened to."
Some of the messages delivered to David Cameron. © Matt Daw / Right Year For Children
Claire, 17, Prescot, Knowsley - “Children’s rights are important because without rights we are not equal. We don’t want to feel voiceless just because we are young. We shouldn’t have to defend our rights. We want adults to take responsibility and be as passionate as we are about having and respecting children’s rights.
My message to David Cameron is…I have a right to be heard and to know my rights are being taken seriously by him, the government and adults. I have the right to go out and socialise with my friends without the fear of being stopped and seen as a gang. We shouldn’t be seen as problems to be fixed because it’s unfair. We are coming up with good ideas that can help things get better for everyone, not just children.
It was exciting to go to Downing Street and I feel really proud to have handed in thousands of children’s footprints. This will show the Government that children’s rights are important to us. We deserve to know about our rights and to feel that adults are doing the best they can for us."
Phooja, 15, Harrow – “It is an absolute privilege to be here today. Politicians and adults go to Downing Street but for children and young people to be here on such an eventful day is really meaningful and a huge honour. It is so important that young people are heard by politicians."
Rhammel, 17, Clapham – “It felt amazing to be part of something so positive for children and young people especially when there is so much negative press about us. I really hope the Government will recognise the importance of children’s rights."
Kaleb, 15, Camden – “I felt very happy to be a part of this moment and to represent other young people’s views. Being here is helping to put thousands of children and young people’s views forward to the Government.”