This report by Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (ACYA) to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child provides discussion on what needs to be done to effectively implement all the principles and provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC). It presents the concerns and views of non-government organisations about what has been done, and not been done by the New Zealand Government. The recommendations within this report have been developed by those who work with children and youth, and also with input from children and youth themselves. It is noted that progress has been slow in implementing UNCROC, with many children and youth not able to enjoy their rights because of the existence of gaps in government policies, practices and actions. Violence against children and youth is posited as high, with many of them experiencing various forms of discrimination and having limited opportunities for participation in their culture, communities and schools. Although some advances have been made by government, new policy initiatives have lacked funding and effective implementation. Intersectoral approaches to delivery of services are noted as a problem, as is impact analysis of new policies that impact on the lives of children and youth. An emphasis on the benefits of prevention and early intervention is seen as beneficial as opposed to 'cleaning up'. The report is supported by nineteen appendices and three accompanying documents. The three documents are: "Making it Happen: Implementing New Zealand's Agenda for Children" (2002); "When the Invisible Hand Rocks the Cradle: New Zealand Children in a Time of Change" (2002); and "Our children: The Priority for Policy" (Second edition, 2003). Appendix 18 "Protecting Children from Violence and Neglect (Care and Protection)", by Beth Wood, discusses a number of articles in relation to UNCROC and makes recommendations for improvement.

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