The world’s children are growing up at the fastest rate ever and are a force to be reckoned with. They are pushing for climate justice, racial equality and more. They’re also exposing abuse, violence and discrimination around the globe. This means that it’s more important than ever to understand and uphold children rights.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international treaty that spells out all the rights of children – everyone under the age of 18. The treaty was accepted by the General Assembly on November 18, 1989 and entered into force on November 18, 1990. Almost every country in the world has ratified it. The only exceptions are the United States and Somalia.
Those who believe that children should have rights do so because they believe that children are people who deserve respect, dignity and care. They also believe that children are capable of forming their own views and exercising their right to participate in all decisions that affect them, at the level of maturity appropriate to their age.
Children are a unique human species, and they bring many gifts to the world, including their ability to imagine and innovate. They can also adapt more quickly and adjust their needs to changing circumstances, which makes them a powerful agent for change in the world. However, their power and potential to make the world a better place can be abused and exploited by those who seek profit, power or control over them.
Some of the most basic children rights include the right to survival, the right to health, the right to a standard of living and the right to protection from harm, exploitation and discrimination. These rights are based on the belief that a child is born with the right to life, and all governments must ensure that this right is respected.
Providing for a child’s basic needs includes making sure they have enough food, water and shelter. Children also need to be able to access healthcare, education and social services. Governments must provide the means to do this, including providing schools with facilities that are safe and up to date.
Education is a fundamental human right, and children should have the opportunity to learn in a way that is suitable for them. This includes being able to choose their own subjects and being taught by qualified teachers. It also means giving children the freedom to express their opinions and beliefs in a safe environment.
Parents, families and communities are the primary caregivers of children. They must protect them from harm, neglect and abuse, regardless of the child’s gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. Governments should protect the rights of children by ensuring that people are held accountable if they violate a child’s rights. They should also support and encourage family and community members to uphold these rights. They should also take preventive measures to reduce the risk of violations in any situation or space.