Charter puts rights of children to the forefront in Dyfed-Powys

The Children’s Rights Charter, created with the support of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, demonstrates a commitment towards young people.

It has been adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police, the Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The six-point charter details the rights young people when coming into contact with these agencies.

It sets out how they will always work on behalf of and in the best interests of children and young people, treating them "with respect and in confidence."

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I’m extremely pleased that we are launching our Children’s Rights Charter.

"We have taken a collaborative approach in devising a joint charter with our partners in Hywel Dda University Health Board, and Mid and West Wales Fire Service.

“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international human rights treaty that grants all children and young people a comprehensive set of rights.

"It is critical to supporting and developing children in communities across the world.

"In establishing and launching the Charter here in Dyfed-Powys we recognise the importance of working together to achieve the United Nations’ ambitions.

“We believe that every child has a right to live, learn, play and grow up in a safe environment within our communities.

"Our commitment is to ensure that the responsibilities and powers of Dyfed-Powys Police, my Office and those of our partners, are used in ways that are consistent with the Convention.

"It will enable children and young people to contribute to building safe and healthy communities for the future.

“I would like to thank everyone who’s been involved in developing the Charter, and to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales’ Office for supporting us throughout the process.”

Mid and West Wales Fire Service Corporate Head of Prevention and Protection Peter Greenslade said he was proud to be involved in the introduction of the Blue Light Children’s Rights Charter.

"We work extensively with young people, to develop their life skills and improve their lives, and the Charter underpins all that we do with our youth initiatives and education work," he said.

"The Charter is a valuable statement, demonstrating that we and our partners are committed to our young people.;

"It should give reassurance to young people that we have their wellbeing at the forefront of all that we do.”

Maria Battle, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, added: “The Health Board is truly proud to support The Children and Young People’s Charter.

"We are committed to listening to and ensuring the well-being of our younger population.

"It’s incredibly important that every child is aware that they have the right to access any service that we provide to ensure their good health.

"Every child has the right to a happy, healthy and safe upbringing.”

Sally Holland, Children's Commissioner for Wales said she was particularly pleased that children themselves have played a central role, which is a core element of any children's rights approach.

“It's been a pleasure to work on this initiative with Dyfed Powys Police, Hywel Dda Health Board and others delivering services across the region, and to see how they've committed to putting children's rights at the heart of their work with young people," she said.

"If we want to be serious about protecting children's human rights as a society, we need to make sure children experience those rights in all aspects of their lives, and that the public bodies who serve them are explicit in their commitment to those rights."