Children are the future – but they’re also in the middle of a global crisis that affects them and their families, friends and communities. Conflicts, natural disasters, malnutrition and disease outbreaks are threatening children’s lives. They are being forced to flee their homes, go without schooling and work hazardous jobs. Millions are missing out on the most basic services, rights and opportunities – because of poverty, lack of government support, discrimination and violence.
Every child has a right to be safe and to have a childhood that supports their development. This includes their right to health care, food, water, education and a good environment. It is everyone’s duty to protect and help children whenever they can.
Many children’s rights are protected by an international treaty called the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It was drafted in 1989 and came into force in 1990. It spells out all the human rights that every child has, and it is one of the most ratified (agreed to) of all international human rights treaties. The CRC contains 54 articles and explains what governments must do for their children.
Some of the most important articles in the CRC cover children’s right to live with both parents, unless it is not in their best interests. If this is not possible, then children have the right to be looked after by adults who respect their family, culture, language and religion. This should be done as much as possible and it is the government’s responsibility to help.
Children have the right to be involved – and listened to – in all decisions that affect them. This participation, tailored to children’s levels of maturity, makes them better informed and strengthens society. It is important to note that children’s rights must be balanced with the needs and safety of others. Children do not have the same legal rights as adults, but they must be treated fairly at all times.
If a child is suspected of breaking the law, they should not be killed, tortured or treated cruelly, and they should only be put in prison for the shortest time possible. They should have access to lawyers and other forms of legal assistance, and they should be allowed to stay in contact with their family.
The CRC also sets out a range of other things that governments should do for their children, including ensuring that families stay together where they can and that any laws that affect children support their well-being. It includes the fact that children who have been harmed or affected by war, refugees, disabled children, indigenous people and those from minority groups all have special protections under the convention. It also covers children’s right to privacy, with laws protecting their home, family, communications and reputation. Two optional protocols to the convention, on the sale of children and on armed conflict, have also been ratified, and there is an international complaints mechanism that allows children to report violations of their rights to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.