Children in Wales have sent a letter to nominated candidates for the next First Minister for Wales, calling for them to appoint a dedicated and named Minister for Children to the Welsh Government cabinet. By this, we mean a named minister with responsibility for babies, children and young people as recognised by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
One of the first tasks for the next First Minister for Wales will be to appoint his new cabinet. This provides an opportunity to review the personnel and membership of the current cabinet, as well as the allocation of ministerial portfolios and titles.
It is an opportunity to consider where changes could be made to better strengthen accountability and to make adjustments which better respond to the needs and demands of the population, including children, young people and their families.
Children in Wales’ vision is of a Wales where all babies, children and young people have all their rights fulfilled. We believe that a key priority for the next First Minister for Wales should be to appoint a Minister for Children to the Welsh Government cabinet, this will help us to ensure progress toward that aim.
Read the full letter below.