UNCRC Manifesto 2026

The Wales UNCRC Monitoring Group have published its priorities ahead of the 2026 Senedd Election, calling on the next Welsh Government to strengthen children’s rights in Wales. The Wales UNCRC Monitoring Group, managed by Children in Wales, is a national alliance of non-governmental and academic agencies, tasked with monitoring and promoting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Wales. 

The Monitoring Group is advocating for new legislation which fully and directly incorporates the UNCRC into Welsh law, which would build upon existing legislation and be similar in part to recent legislation introduced in Scotland. This would provide individual legal enforceability of children’s rights, as well as make Children’s Rights Impact Assessments a statutory requirement and ensure that all public bodies in Wales act compatibly with the UNCRC when exercising devolved functions.

“Wales has made significant strides over many years in advancing and promoting children’s rights, notably through existing legislation which places a duty on Welsh Minister to have ‘due regard’ to the UNCRC. However, current Welsh law has its limitations and does not include sufficient accountability arrangements or provide a legal route for a child or their representative to make a legal challenge. Wales previously led the way amongst UK jurisdictions, and the next Welsh Government must take steps to regain our previous position”
- Sean O’Neill, Convenor, Wales UNCRC Monitoring Group & Policy Director, Children in Wales