A little over a year ago, Cardiff was named as the UK’s first UNICEF child friendly city. Promoting the rights and safety of young people across the city, the council say the city's ongoing efforts and future plans ‘reflect a strong commitment to upholding children’s rights in the city.’
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00:00A year on from being named the UK's first UNICEF Child-Friendly City, Cardiff Council
00:07have taken a look at their achievements in that time and look on to future plans to expand
00:11on their successes so far.
00:13In November 2023, it was announced Cardiff led the way in terms of child-friendly initiatives
00:18in the city and working alongside UNICEF, were named on the official global list.
00:23The Child-Friendly City's initiative spans across the world and UNICEF claims it wants
00:28to promote every child, whether they live in care, using children's centres or even
00:33just visit a local library, to have a meaningful say in their community and decisions made
00:37there.
00:38UNICEF provides training on the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Children and
00:43supports local councils and organisations who take part.
00:47There are four areas in particular that the council say they have been pushing over the
00:50last year and it's something they want to continue on in their Child-Friendly City journey.
00:55These four points start with education.
00:57The council workforce have had training on the United Nations Convention on the Rights
01:01of Children and so far say 70% of staff have been trained fully on the Charter.
01:06They also say that almost every school in Cardiff has now signed up to the Rights Respecting
01:11Schools initiative so young people understand their rights and can advocate for them.
01:16Participation is the next big step Cardiff Council say they have made and claim 3,000
01:20hours of council time has been spent by young people expressing themselves in meeting settings
01:25and have their voices heard.
01:27Thirdly, public spaces is a priority as part of the scheme and improving parks and spaces
01:32for young people to play and take insights from young people as to the direction that
01:37new outdoor spaces should take.
01:39Finally, inclusion is a massive part of the scheme and the council say that they have
01:43promoted the rights of disabled children and those with additional needs to have as big
01:48a part in their communities as other children.
01:50Cardiff Council say they hope to continue on their path to creating more opportunities
01:54for young people and creating a safe, caring city for young people to thrive.