The KidsRights Index refers to the yearly indicator produced by the KidsRights Foundations, in collaboration with Erasmus University Rotterdam: Erasmus School of Economics, as well as the International Institute of Social Studies. This measure is composed of a rating system of signatory states of the United Nations' Convention of the Rights of the Child, which was drafted in 1989, and is embodied by 165 countries, excluding the United States.
The Index provides imperative knowledge and information regarding child rights and conditions within these particular nations, while highlighting what countries must do in order to successfully establish the framework of the CRC into its relevant practices.
The Index has furthermore been established to prompt awareness for child rights. It may also be utilized as an instrument for governments, society, and other actors whose aim is to perform duties that would strengthen these particular rights. Featured in this index, are five key areas: the Right to Life, Right to Health, Right to Education, Right to Protection, and Enabling Environment for Child Rights.
The Index is shaped by a measure where a score of 0.01 is the lowest rank and 1 is the highest a country can achieve. Moreover, the index measures each countries in accordance to the listed areas of emphasis and assessment.
Among some of the lowest-ranking states in this year's index, are: Central African Republic (165), Afghanistan (164), Vanuatu (162), New Zealand (158), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (156). The previous rank of New Zealand, which held a 45th rank had substantively decreased to 158 in 2017, while the United Kingdom had witnesses their eleventh (11th) ranking sharply fall to 156 in 2017.