Children have unique needs and are entitled to a safe and happy childhood which translates into a productive and healthy adulthood. However, millions of children around the world are deprived of this right. They are victims of discrimination, lack of opportunities and abuse. They are subjected to practices that violate their rights based on their gender, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, disabilities and their place of birth. These violations are often rooted in tradition, culture, religion or superstition. They include virginity testing on girls, female genital mutilation and circumcision, child marriage, corporal punishment, forced sterilisation of children with disabilities and the recruitment of children into armed conflict.
Children’s rights are enshrined in international law in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and its Optional Protocols. Governments must implement the CRC so that children get a fair deal in life, which includes:
The right to be protected from violence, neglect and exploitation. Children should be free from all forms of physical, emotional and sexual violence. This protection must also extend to those who are close to them. It applies to children in families, in institutions and in all communities.
Every child has the right to be provided with food, clothing and a safe place to live in order to grow up well. They must be able to play, learn and get medical help when needed. They also have the right to education, which should include learning about their own culture and values as well as other cultures, languages and traditions.
They have the right to an identity – which means they should have an official name and nationality. They should always know who their parents are and be looked after by them if they can, but if this is not possible then they have the right to an adult who will care for them and respect their religion, culture, language and family ties.
Children have the right to access information from a variety of sources, including the Internet, radio, television and books. They have the right to be listened to and taken seriously when they express their opinions. They also have the right to be given legal help and fair treatment in court, as well as a quick and easy way to complain when their rights are being violated.
They have the right to a positive education that is inclusive of all children, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds. It should develop their personalities, talents and abilities and promote a sense of responsibility to protect the environment. It should also teach them about other people, their different cultures and values and teach them to love and respect everyone. It should be free from racial discrimination and prejudice, bullying and sexual harassment. It should also encourage a sense of solidarity with other countries and communities. It should be a positive education of tolerance, understanding, perseverance and friendship among all nations, which is based on the respect for human rights.