Reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Australia’s fourth report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and initial reports under that Convention’s two Optional Protocols were tabled in Parliament on Thursday, 25 June 2009. 

The reports will also be lodged with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for future consideration by the Committee on the Rights of the Child. 

Australia’s fourth report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child has been drafted in accordance with article 44 of the Convention, and with the relevant guidelines issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

When read together with Australia’s Common Core Document, which was submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 25 July 2007, this report demonstrates Australia’s commitment to furthering the rights of children.  The Government devotes significant resources to ensuring Australian children are able to reach their full potential and can access the rights in the Convention.  The statistics in the annexes to the Core Document demonstrate the outcome of these efforts and the important position children enjoy in Australian society.  This report shows the Australian, State and Territory governments have continued to seek opportunities to improve the implementation of the Convention in Australia.   

Australia’s initial report under the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography details the steps Australia has taken to fulfil its obligation to protect children from the worst forms of commercial exploitation.  This report should be read in conjunction with the fourth report under the Convention and the Common Core Document.

Australia’s initial report under the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict demonstrates how Australia has fulfilled its obligation to protect children from involvement in armed conflict.