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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.

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Work on Child Rights Governance (CRG) aims to build societies that fulfil children’s rights by establishing and strengthening the governance system necessary for states to effectively implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and other child rights obligations. It is about supporting a vibrant civil society pushing children up the political agenda, and holding states to account for what they have or have not done to enable children to realise their rights. It is an effective strategy for achieving a positive impact on millions of children’s lives, resulting in structural and l