UNCRC General Comment No. 19 (2016) on public budgeting for the realization of children’s rights (art. 4)

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment No. 19 on Public Budgeting for the Realization of Children’s Rights is the first UN document to provide detailed guidance to states on their legal obligation to invest in children. Since its adoption in 1989, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has been ratified by all countries of the world but one. Yet governments still need to do more to realize children’s rights.

General Comment No. 19 recommends open, inclusive and accountable resource mobilization, budget allocation and spending. It clearly states that States must not discriminate against any child through resource mobilization, budgeting and spending.

States should also regularly ensure that children participate in budget decisions, allowing children to participate in those issues that concern them.

General Comment No. 19 is a big achievement, putting specific demands on States to ensure the realization of children’s rights. Watch the short video to learn more about the General Comment. A child friendly version is also available in multiple languages.