Children bring a huge amount of joy into a lot of people’s lives. They are also an endless source of headache, heartache, hilarity and downright originality. They will also probably end up costing you a fair bit of money. But is it worth it?
Despite the fact that there are many different viewpoints on political issues within our own countries, there is one thing we can all agree on: children are extremely vulnerable. Their life and well-being completely depends on adults working to keep them safe and nurture them. As a result, we can agree that the most important way to protect children is by ensuring their rights are respected.
The most comprehensive statement of a child’s rights is the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It was put into effect in 1990 and has since been ratified by 196 countries. It sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all children, everywhere in the world. It is a human rights treaty that provides a framework for governments to guarantee the protection of children’s rights.
This means that children should be protected from all kinds of harm, violence and exploitation (being taken advantage of). They should be guaranteed a healthy and happy childhood, which includes the right to education, adequate food and health care, housing, clean water, good nutrition and protection from poverty and environmental pollution. They should be given priority in receiving help and assistance, based on their needs and situation, especially when they are in danger.
In addition to the basic rights mentioned above, the CRC requires governments to take measures against the root causes of problems affecting children, such as natural disasters, war and extreme poverty. It also encourages the development of national plans of action for addressing these crises and urges nations to work together to achieve them. The Convention also states that children must be protected against female infanticide, harmful child labour and the sale of children, such as for sexual purposes or to pay for organs, or other forms of exploitation.
Parents are responsible for bringing up their children, but where this is not possible, other adults should have responsibility. If a child is in the care of someone else, that person must respect the child’s religion, language, culture and family ties. If a child is arrested or detained, they should not be tortured or treated cruelly and should only be kept in prison for the shortest appropriate time. If they are accused of breaking the law, they should be given legal help. Children should also be allowed to express their views freely, both inside and outside the classroom. This is an important part of their right to a free education. However, this freedom must not be abused to offend others. Children have the right to join groups and organisations and meet with other people, if this does not interfere with their schooling or other essential activities. They have the right to share their opinions in a peaceful manner, either verbally or in writing.