UNDERSTANDING CHILD RIGHTS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE AFFECTED PEOPLE

è UNDERSTANDING CHILD RIGHTS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE AFFECTED PEOPLE:

Compared to any other group in the society children suffer the most from human rights violations because they lack self -defence and depend on others. They are also the easy prey of offences committed by adults.

v VIOLATIONS:

▬  Children experiencing high levels of violence in home and elsewhere.

▬  They wish to be believed and supported.

▬  They give recommendations to how to tackle it, such as ending physical punishments, services better suited to their needs and get greater control over action with the problems they report.

v CHILD FRIENDLY JUSTICE:

▬  Children wish to receive more information on their rights in the justice system.

▬  Children should not be in the custody; alternatives such as community service should be used instead.

▬  Children in custody have numerous recommendations for improving living conditions.

▬  Children of prisoner explicit acknowledgement and assistance.

v CHILD PARTICIPATION:

▬  Children deserve a voice in decisions that impact them.

▬  Simplified procedures and active engagement across contexts are essential for meaningful participation.

v CHILDREN IN CARE:

▬  Children in care seek better support and interventions to prevent removal from their families. Quality placements and strong connections with birth families matter most.

v DISCRIMINATION:

▬  Dual Struggles: Children face double discrimination based on age and other factors.

▬  Awareness and legislation are crucial to combat age-based discrimination.

▬  Empathy Matters: Disadvantaged children seek understanding of their unique experiences and culture.

▬  Rights Awareness: Children wish for greater awareness and understanding within society.

v EDUCATION:

▬  Empowering Participation: Children seek more opportunities to actively engage in school and decisions related to their education.

▬ Inclusive Measures: Disadvantaged children are particularly concerned about education. Special measures can enhance their participation.

▬ Combatting Bullying: Addressing bullying requires open discussions and supportive teacher responses.

v CHILD POVERTY AND AUSTERITY:

▬  Economic Concerns: Children worry about the economic climate affecting their finances and family.

▬ They recommend work-based training and employment opportunities for youth.

▬  Safety Nets: Ensuring adequate income and security for those without work is crucial. Free services like youth and leisure centres play a vital role.

▬  Inclusive Decisions: Children desire involvement in government expenditure decisions.

Here are some key aspects to consider when seeking to understand child rights from the perspective of affected people:

1. Respect for the child's voice: 

Recognizing and respecting the views, opinions, and experiences of children themselves is fundamental. 

Children should be given the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns on matters that affect them. 

Their perspectives should be listened to, valued, and considered when making decisions that impact their lives.

2. Contextual understanding: 

It is essential to consider the specific cultural, social, and economic contexts in which children live. 

Each community may have unique challenges, traditions, and norms that influence the understanding and realization of child rights. 

Acknowledging these contextual factors help to develop more effective strategies for promoting and protecting children's rights.

3. Engaging with caregivers and communities: 

Engaging with parents, caregivers, and communities are vital for understanding the needs and experiences of children. 

These individuals play a crucial role in shaping children's lives and have valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities related to child rights. 

Involving them in discussions, decision making processes, and policy development ensures a more comprehensive understanding of child rights issues.

4. Listening to marginalized groups: 

It is important to pay particular attention to the perspectives of marginalized and vulnerable groups of children who may face multiple forms of discrimination or disadvantage. 

This includes children with disabilities, those from minority ethnic groups, indigenous communities, refugees, and children living in poverty. 

Understanding their unique challenges and experiences is crucial for developing inclusive and equitable approaches to child rights.

 5. Incorporating lived experiences: 

Listening to the lived experiences of affected individuals can provide invaluable insights. 

This can be done through qualitative research, interviews, focus groups, or participatory methods that actively involve children and other stakeholders in sharing their stories, challenges, and aspirations. 

These personal narratives help to inform policies, programs, and interventions that address the real needs and aspirations of children.

 By adopting a holistic and inclusive approach to understanding child rights, one can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children and work towards ensuring the realization of their rights in a meaningful and sustainable way.

è IMPORTANCE AND NEED TO THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN:

v Children are individual

v Children start life as totally dependent being

v The actions or inactions of Govt impact children more strongly than any other group in society

v Children’s view should be heard and considered in the political process

v Many changes in society are having a disproportionate and often negative impact on children

v The healthy development of children is crucial to the future well- being of any society

v The cost to the Society of falling its children are huge.