How to Advocate for and Support Children’s Rights
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a landmark international treaty, often abbreviated to UNCRC. It delineates the civil, economic, political, and cultural rights of children across the globe.
What are the Rights of Children?
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a landmark international treaty, often abbreviated to UNCRC. It delineates the civil, economic, political, and cultural rights of children across the globe. The UNCRC, which came into force on September 2, 1990, is a universally binding agreement. As of 12 July 2022, it has been signed by 196 countries, underscoring its global significance.
The UNCRC, the most widely-ratified international human rights treaty in history, is a comprehensive document. It articulates the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced, covering all aspects of a child’s life. This thorough coverage makes it a crucial resource that outlines the fundamental rights of every child in the world.
The convention is significant because it marks a transformative shift in the perception of children’s rights. It recognises children as individuals with their rights, a departure from the previous view of children as passive recipients of adults’ care and protection. Since its creation, the UNCRC has influenced laws, policies, and practices globally, serving as a framework for educators, social workers, organisations, and anyone else who wishes to improve the lives of children.
The UNCRC has a total of 54 articles that cover all aspects of a child’s life; these should form the foundation of any work you complete with children. These rights apply to all children regardless of background, culture, ability, race or religion.
Fundamental Principles of the UNCRC
While all the rights interlink and no single right is better than another, the following four principles should be paramount to everything that you do.
Non-Discrimination (Article 2)
Every child, regardless of race, religion, or abilities, has the right to the same protection and opportunities.
Best Interests of the Child (Article 3)
In all actions concerning children, the child’s best interests must be a primary consideration. This principle ensures that the child’s welfare is a top priority in all decisions affecting them.
Right to Life, Survival, and Development (Article 6)
Every child has the inherent right to life, and governments must ensure the survival and development of the child to the maximum extent possible.
Respect for the Views of the Child (Article 12)
Children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them, and their opinions should be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity.
If I were to put the UNCRC into simple terms, it highlights every child’s right to:
- An education
- Protection from violence
- Be healthy
- An identity
- Leisure and play
The 54 Rights of Children That Make the UNCRC
You can delve deeper into the rights by viewing a brief breakdown below or visiting UNICEF for a more detailed overview. This exploration will empower you with a deeper understanding of the UNCRC and its implications for children’s rights.
- Article 1 (definition of the child)
- Article 2 (non-discrimination)
- Article 3 (best interests of the child)
- Article 4 (implementation of the Convention)
- Article 5 (parental guidance and a child’s evolving capacities)
- Article 6 (life, survival and development)
- Article 7 (birth registration, name, nationality, care)
- Article 8 (protection and preservation of identity)
- Article 9 (separation from parents)
- Article 10 (family reunification)
- article 11 (abduction and non-return of children)
- article 12 (respect for the views of the child)
- Article 13 (freedom of expression)
- Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion)
- Article 15 (freedom of association)
- Article 16 (right to privacy)
- Article 17 (access to information from the media)
- Article 18 (parental responsibilities and state assistance)
- Article 19 (protection from violence, abuse and neglect)
- Article 20 (children unable to live with their family)
- Article 21 (adoption)
- Article 22 (refugee children)
- Article 23 (children with a disability)
- Article 24 (health and health services)
- Article 25 (review of treatment in care)
- Article 26 (social security)
- Article 27 (adequate standard of living)
- Article 28 (right to education)
- Article 29 (goals of education)
- Article 30 (children from minority or Indigenous groups)
- Article 31 (leisure, play and culture)
- Article 32 (child labour)
- Article 33 (drug abuse)
- Article 34 (sexual exploitation)
- Article 35 (abduction, sale and trafficking)
- Article 36 (other forms of exploitation)
- Article 37 (inhumane treatment and detention)
- Article 38 (war and armed conflicts)
- Article 39 (recovery from trauma and reintegration)
- Article 40 (juvenile justice)
- Article 41 (respect for higher national standards)
- Article 42 (knowledge of rights)
- Articles 43–54 discuss how adults and governments must work together to ensure all children can enjoy all their rights.
References
Recommended Reading
- I Have the Right: an affirmation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - A stunningly illustrated and essential volume on children’s rights: an introduction for kids and a reminder for adults.
- I Know My Rights: A Child-Friendly Version Of The UN Convention On The Rights Of A Child - In I Know My Rights, Menaka Raman explains in a clear and no compromises way what children's basic human and no compromises way what children's basic human rights are.
- Children Who Changed the World: Incredible True Stories About Children's Rights! - From the heroes familiar to everyone, such as Malala Yousafzai, to the amazing activists you might not have heard of, like Baruani Ndume, the teenager who gave a voice to fellow refugee children in Tanzania, discover the incredible true stories of child activists.
- Our Rights!: Stories and Poems about Children's Rights - All children have the right to life, survival and development; to protection from violence and abuse; to education; to express their opinions and be listened to.
- Young Children's Rights: Exploring Beliefs, Principles and Practice Second Edition - Priscilla Alderson examines the often overlooked issue of the rights of young children, starting with the question of how the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child applies to the youngest children, from birth to eight years of age.
- Rethinking Children's Rights: Attitudes in Contemporary Society - Rethinking Children's Rights explores attitudes towards and experiences of children's rights. Phil Jones and Sue Welch draw on a wide range of thought, research and practice from different fields and countries to debate, challenge and re-appraise long held beliefs, attitudes and ways of working and living with children.