rights. The Commission has provided submissions to the Australian
Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) on several
learning areas, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Health
and Physical Education, Economics and Business, Civics and Citizenship,
and Geography.
51. The NCC worked with Early Childhood Australia (ECA), a national peak early
childhood advocacy organisation, to develop a Statement of Intent on
Children’s Rights in Early Childhood Education and Care which outlines
concrete steps that early childhood educators can take to reinforce
children’s rights in their daily practice. The Commission also developed a
toolkit, Building belonging, for early childhood educators on cultural
diversity and responding to prejudice.
2.8
International co-operation
52. The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(DFAT) has a Child Protection Policy applying to all DFAT partners receiving
funding, including those receiving development aid.27
53. In terms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 Agenda
sets a globally agreed road map for sustainable development. If the SDGs,
its targets and indicators are to be met, a partnership model must be
adopted across government, civil society and the business sector. The
participation and engagement of children is crucial to track progress and
achieve the SDGs.
Recommendation 11: The Australian Government publicly reports data on
the implementation of the SDGs and indicators including goals and
indicators relating to children’s rights.
Recommendation 12: The Australian Government adopts a human rights
based approach for all its development aid policy and programs with the
rights of children and their engagement included in program design,
delivery and evaluation.
2.9
Child rights and the business sector
54. In 2015, the NCC undertook research on the rights of children as
consumers of goods and services, focusing on the issue of online
consumption. The research explored the adequacy of regulatory regimes,
consumer and privacy laws, and the responsibilities of business in relation
to children. In response to her work, the Australian Government has
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