IPA - International Play Association

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IPA WorldThe International Play Association (IPA) aims to protect, preserve and promote the child’s right to play as a fundamental right.

IPA considers play to be one of the best means to ensure the maximum potential development of every individual and the communities in which they live. Play stimulates creativity and is essential to the emotional, cognitive and physical development of the whole child, regardless of their level of ability.

International Play Association: Promoting the Child's Right to Play (7 May 2008)
IPA wrote to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Geneva, requesting that they consider the development of a General Comment. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child:

  • That every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
  • That member governments shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.

As the Australian member of the International Play Association Play Australia collects individual memberships from across the country and forwards to the IPA on behalf of members.

Play Australia is strongly committed to the future of the IPA inspite of the difficulties in participating in activities in person, given our place in the globe. We believe it is important for workers in play in particular, to be able to access good practice and to learn from each other’s knowledge and experience.

The IPA website is linked to the Play Australia website, as are other play websites around the world.

IPA Proposal (please download): Using Play as a Coping Strategy in Times of Disaster.