UNICEF Australia

As we observe National Child Protection Week, we are deeply concerned about the current state of #ChildProtection and #YouthJustice in Australia. Recent tragic events, including the death of a teenager in a WA youth detention centre, plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility in the NT and the abhorrent mistreatment of children in Queensland watch houses, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and evidence-based reform. We stand with the Australian Human Rights Commission in calling for immediate action to address systemic issues in our justice system and uphold our international obligations to protect the rights and wellbeing of every child in Australia. Decades of evidence point to raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years – children should be nurtured and guided, not criminalised – and investing in community-based preventative and diversionary programs as alternatives to detention. The time for change is now. We must work together to create a fair and just system that prioritises and safeguards the wellbeing and future of our young people. Read our full statement: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gwiYCYAb 🔗 #ncpw #ncpw24

A birth certificate is an essential step to accessing life-changing services and support. But in Australia, barriers to birth registration exist, restricting a child’s ability to unlock their full potential. We believe that every child should have access to a birth certificate. That’s why we’re working with communities and governments to strengthen birth registration systems, raise awareness, and advocate for every child's right to a legal identity. We want birth registration to be an easy and affordable process, so that every child can benefit from it. With the support of the Australian Bureau of Statistics and NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages, we have cutting-edge new data to highlight the scale of delayed birth registration in Australia. Join us as we discuss key findings from our latest report "Certify Hope – Rights from the Start" and gain insights from a diverse panel of experts on the obstacles to birth registration and recommendations to improve birth registration and certification across Australia. Date: 17 September 2024 Time: 10:30am AEDT Location: Online Click the link to register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gR4qpYpf With The Ian Potter Foundation and Pathfinders Ltd

Our Chief Advocate for Children Nicole Breeze gave evidence to the "Senate Inquiry into Australia’s response to the priorities of the Pacific Island countries and the Pacific region" on behalf of UNICEF Australia on Monday, alongside other NGOs working across the #Pacific. Our key messages to the Inquiry:  - The need to better target Australia’s investments in the region for children and young people, as they make up over 50% of the population in the Pacific region.   - #ClimateChange is affecting children’s survival, health, wellbeing, learning opportunities, safety and stability with immediate consequences and long-term consequences. - Children and young people’s voices and participation must be supported through consistent capacity building opportunities and networks across national and regional boundaries. We can and must do more to centre the needs of children in our response to climate change in the region.  Better targeted investments will help children to become more resilient to disasters and other climate shocks, creating a ripple effect which will benefit their families and entire communities. Read our full submission here: https://lnkd.in/gcqcjTsw

This is the moment a classroom of Rohingya children received their first ever report cards. After enduring years of displacement and hardship, they now have a record of their learning, and their hard work and dedication. No matter what, we believe that every child deserves access to education. Together with governments and partners, we’re making sure we support children all over the world, through times of war, natural disasters, and crises, to unlock their full potential. #ForEveryChild #Education

After the Rohingya refugee emergency first made headlines in 2017, children and families continue to face an uncertain future. Seven years later, a generation of Rohingya children are living in crisis. https://bit.ly/4dFWh4i

Today is Wear It Purple Day, and we’re celebrating! 🏳️🌈 💜 We believe in celebrating all young people. That’s why we’re going to Wear It Purple today, to make sure that all rainbow young people can feel safe, included, and empowered 💜 #WearItPurple #WearItPurpleDay #LGBTQIA #YourPassionYourPride

Ready to make your steps count? Join us for the Dusk to Dawn walk — a 37km journey from North Sydney to Bondi, all in support of UNICEF’s lifesaving work for children. This is more than just a walk; it’s a powerful way to stand with children worldwide, supporting their right to learn, grow and achieve their full potential. Now’s the time to get involved! Find our more and sign up today: https://unicef.au/3SWdxKd

In Madagascar last year, more than five million children under the age of five were vaccinated against polio. In the past six months, there have been no cases of polio detected in the country. Immunising children against preventable diseases saves lives. Together with our partners, we’re making sure that children all around the world have access to vaccines so that they can grow up healthy and protected. #ForEveryChild #Vaccines #UNICEF #UNICEFAustralia

The Australian Human Rights Commission's new report on #ChildJustice is a significant call to action for transformational change that puts #ChildWellbeing at the forefront. As an organisation dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of children, we strongly support recommendations for reform that address the root causes of offending by children.   We appreciate the efforts of National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds and her team in incorporating the voices of 150 children, young people, and their families into this report. The proposed changes—a National Taskforce for child justice reform, a federal Minister for Children, a national Ministerial Council for Child Wellbeing, and a National Children’s Act—are vital steps toward ensuring that every child in Australia is protected and empowered.   At UNICEF Australia, we believe that child justice reform is about building safer, more supportive environments #ForEveryChild.   Read the full report: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gjdjyz2s 🔗

Our work for children in over 190 countries, including Australia, is possible thanks to each and every one of our supporters. The latest issue of our #IMPACT magazine shines a spotlight on the difference you've made in emergencies like Gaza and Ukraine as well as the impact your donations have had on our programs all around the world, giving children and young people access to an education, nutrition, clean water, and safety. As the world's largest children's charity, we rely entirely on the generous support of donors like you. Thank you for supporting our work and helping us give every child the chance to grow and thrive. Read the full issue here: https://bit.ly/4cw5qew