The role of the child in society has changed considerably this century, says Anne Shaw, development officer with the Childrens' Rights Alliance.

"Children are no longer seen as `not yet adults' but as humans with specific rights," she says. "They are a vulnerable group who need extra care and protection for their development. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises this changing status. It sets a framework of minimum standards to which all children are entitled and gives them a voice."

Based on the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Ireland has nothing to feel complacent about. We have the second highest rate of child poverty in Europe, our age of criminal responsibility is unacceptably low, teenage suicide is too high, we have no national policy on children, no independant body monitoring children's rights, and a lack of coherence between the state bodies responsible for children. The Committee described our approach to children as `patronising'.

"The awareness-raising campaign is the first step towards ensuring children are accorded their rights," says Shaw. "It should increase people's understanding of the Convention and foster a greater respect for children's rights."