A/HRC/34/27 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 31/7, the Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on the protection of the rights of the child in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to present it to the Human Rights Council at its thirty-fourth session. 2. The 2030 Agenda is intended as a framework to safeguard the future of the planet and the next generation, and as such has strong potential to support the rights and best interests of all children. It makes crucial commitments that are supportive of the protection and promotion of children’s rights, in particular that it will be implemented in line with international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 3. As a universal agenda, it is relevant in its entirety to all children in all countries and addresses key dimensions of children’s rights, including both freedom from fear and from want and equality and non-discrimination. As States embark on the implementation process, the application of human rights principles and standards is essential to support effective delivery on the commitments contained in the Sustainable Development Goals and particularly to identify the special measures and prioritization needed to reach the most marginalized children, who are at greatest risk of being left behind. 4. For the preparation of the present report, a note verbale requesting input was sent to all Member States and written contributions were received from 13 States. Submissions were also received from civil society organizations, United Nations agencies and other international entities.1 II. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the rights of the child A universal agenda for all children in all countries 5. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a universal agenda and represents a historic opportunity to promote the realization of the rights of all children in all countries to get their best start in life, to survive and to thrive, and to live free from violence and abuse. The Sustainable Development Goals and targets have been defined above all to inspire action to safeguard the needs of present and future generations. A key commitment expressed in the 2030 Agenda is that no one will be left behind and those furthest behind will be reached first. Governments thereby commit to prioritize reaching all children everywhere by focusing on those most excluded and at risk of being denied their rights. 6. The realization of children’s rights is the foundation for securing a sustainable future and realizing all human rights. When children do not have an equal opportunity to reach their potential, all of society suffers the consequences. When their rights are respected, protected and fulfilled, dividends are returned in the form of global security, sustainability and human progress. An agenda grounded in human rights including the rights of the child 7. The 2030 Agenda explicitly reaffirms the obligations of States pertaining to the rights of the child through a commitment to implementation in a manner consistent with the rights and obligations of States under international law, including the Universal Declaration 1 See www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Children/ThematicReports/Pages/2030Agenda.aspx. 3