The Century of the Child?

Abstract

When Margaret Thatcher joined other world leaders in endorsing this positive and unequivocal conclusion of the World Summit for Children at New York in September 1990, she almost certainly believed that it was aimed at the developing countries alone and held little relevance for the UK. However, our review of British social policy since 1945 indicates that there is little room for complacency in Britain. Indeed, unless there are extensive changes in British cultural attitudes towards children and major changes to contemporary social policies as well as in policy-making institutions, the prospects for any marked improvements to the lives of many children appear remote. The rhetoric of the world summit, of itself, will not remedy current deficiencies.

The well-being of children requires political action at the highest level. We are determined to take that action. We ourselves make a solemn commitment to give high priority to the rights of children. (United Nations World Summit for Children, September 1990)