Though there have been “historic gains” overall for the world’s children since the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted 30 years ago, many of the poorest children are yet to feel the impact, according to a new Unicef report released on Monday.

The report titled ‘The Convention on the Rights of the Child at a Crossroads’ sought urgent action and a recommitment to child rights needed to address age-old and emerging threats.

Part of commemorations marking the 30th anniversary of the CRC, the report looks at the undeniable achievements of the past three decades, proof that where there is political will and determination, children’s lives improve.

“There have been impressive gains for children over the past three decades, as more and more are living longer, better and healthier lives. However, the odds continue to be stacked against the poorest and most vulnerable,” said Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

She said in addition to the persistent challenges of health, nutrition and education, children today have to contend with new threats like climate change, online abuse and cyberbullying. “Only with innovation, new technologies, political will and increased resources will we help translate the vision of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into a reality for all children everywhere.”

Citing progress in child rights over the past three decades, the report notes that the global under-five mortality rate has fallen by about 60 per cent and the proportion of primary-school-aged children not in school decreased from 18 per cent to 8 per cent.

The guiding principles of the CRC – non-discrimination; the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and the right to protection – have influenced numerous constitutions, laws, policies and practices globally.

However, the report notes this progress has not been even.

In low and middle-income countries children from the poorest households are twice as likely to die from preventable causes before their fifth birthday than children from the richest households.

Over the next 12 months Unicef plans to undertake a global dialogue on what it will take to make the promise of the convention a reality for every child.

The discourse will be inclusive, involving children and young people, parents and caregivers, education and social workers, communities and governments, civil society, academia, the private sector and the media, Unicef said adding that it will influence the way the organization does business in the future.

“The Convention stands at a crossroads between its illustrious past and its future potential. It is up to us to recommit, take decisive steps and hold ourselves accountable,” said Fore.

“We should take our lead from young people who are speaking up and speaking out for their rights as never before, we must act now – boldly and creatively.”