UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHT OF THE CHILD [UNCRC]

 

è  UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHT OF THE CHILD [UNCRC]:

The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted UNCRC on 20th November 1989. This became the first internationally recognised instrument that described all the fundamental child rights.

 

UNCRC Essentials: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a landmark international instrument. It recognizes children's independent political, economic, and social rights. The 54 articles cover non-discrimination, the child's best interests, life, survival, growth, and more.

vARTICLES IN UNCRC:

›  Article 1 (Definition of the Child): Everyone under the age of 18 has all the rights in the Convention.

›  Article 2 (Non-Discrimination): The Convention applies to every child without discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities, or any other status.

›  Article 3 (Best Interests of the Child): The child’s best interests must be a top priority in all decisions and actions affecting them.

›  Article 4 (Implementation of the Convention): Governments must create systems and pass laws to promote and protect children’s rights.

›  Article 5 (Parental Guidance and Evolving Capacities): Parents’ guidance should recognize the child’s increasing capacity to make choices.

›  Article 6 (Life, Survival, and Development): Every child has the right to life, survival, and full potential development.

›  Article 7 (Birth Registration, Name, Nationality, and Care): Children have the right to be registered at birth, have a name, nationality, and be cared for by their parents.

›  Article 8 (Protection and Preservation of Identity): Children have the right to an identity, and governments must prevent unlawful changes.

›  Article 9 (Separation from Parents): Children should not be separated from parents against their will unless it’s in their best interests.

›  Article 10 (Family Reunification): Governments must respond sympathetically if a child or parents apply to live together.

›Article 11 (Abduction and Non-Return of Children): Governments must prevent illegal abduction or prevention of a child’s return home.

›  Article 12 (Respect for the Views of the Child): Children have the right to express their views, feelings, and wishes in all matters affecting them.

›  Article 13 (Freedom of Expression): Every child must be free to express thoughts and opinions and access information within the law.

›  Article 14 (Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion): Children have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

›  Article 15 (Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly): Children can join groups and assemble peacefully.

›  Article 16 (Protection of Privacy): Children have the right to privacy, including protection against interference or attacks.

›  Article 17 (Access to Information; Mass Media): Children have the right to access information from diverse sources.

›  Article 18 (Parental Responsibilities and State Assistance): Parents have primary responsibility for raising children, and the state should provide assistance.

›  Article 19 (Protection from Abuse and Neglect): Children must be protected from all forms of abuse and neglect.

›  Article 20 (Children Deprived of Family Environment): Children deprived of a family environment should receive alternative care.

›  Article 21 (Adoption): Adoption should prioritize the child’s best interests.

›  Article 22 (Refugee Children): Refugee children should receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance.

›  Article 23 (Children with Disabilities): Children with disabilities have the right to enjoy a full and decent life.

›  Article 24 (Health and Health Services): Children have the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

›  Article 25 (Review of Treatment in Care): Children in care have the right to periodic review of their treatment.

›  Article 26 (Social Security): Children have the right to social security, including financial assistance.

›  Article 27 (Standard of Living): Children have the right to a standard of living adequate for their development.

›  Article 28 (Education): Children have the right to education that promotes their full potential.

›  Article 29 (Goals of Education): Education should develop the child’s personality, talents, and respect for human rights.

›  Article 30 (Children of Indigenous Peoples): Indigenous children have the right to maintain their culture.

›  Article 31 (Rest, Play, Recreation, and Cultural Activities): Children have the right to rest, play, and participate in cultural activities.

›  Article 32 (Child Labor): Children should be protected from economic exploitation and hazardous work.

›  Article 33 (Drug Abuse): Children should be protected from drug abuse.

›  Article 34 (Sexual Exploitation and Abuse): Children should be protected from sexual exploitation and abuse.

›  Article 35 (Abduction, Sale, and Trafficking): Children should be protected from abduction, sale, and trafficking.

›  Article 36 (Other Forms of Exploitation): Govt. must protect children from all other forms of exploitation.

›  Article 37 (Inhumane Treatment and Detention): Children must not be tortured, sentenced to the death penalty, or suffer other cruel or degrading treatment or punishment. They should be arrested, detained, or imprisoned only as a last resort and for the shortest time possible. They must be treated with respect and care, and be able to keep in contact with their family.

›  Article 38 (Children in Armed Conflicts): Children should not be directly involved in armed conflicts. They have the right to protection and care during conflicts.

›  Article 39 (Rehabilitation of Child Victims): Children who suffered exploitation or abuse should receive rehabilitation and support to reintegrate into society.

›  Article 40 (Juvenile Justice System): Children in conflict with the law have the right to a fair and child-friendly justice system. Detention should be a last resort.

›  Article 41 (Respect for Privacy): Children’s privacy should be respected during legal proceedings.

›  Article 42 (Knowledge of Rights): Children should be informed about their rights.

›  Article 43 (Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion): Children have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

›  Article 44 (Right to Nationality): Children have the right to acquire a nationality.

›  Article 45 (Implementation and Dissemination): Governments must ensure that children and adults know about the UNCRC and its principles.

›  Article 46 (Protection of Abused or Neglected Children): Children who have experienced neglect, abuse, exploitation, torture, or who are victims of war must receive special support to help them recover their health, dignity, self-respect, and social life.

›  Article 47 (Right to an Adequate Standard of Living): Children have the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, and housing.

›  Article 48 (Right to Health Care and Services): Children have the right to access health care, including preventive care, treatment, and rehabilitation.

›  Article 49 (Right to Education): Children have the right to education that promotes their full potential. Education should develop the child’s personality, talents, and respect for human rights.

› Article 50 (Children with Disabilities): Children with disabilities have the right to enjoy a full and decent life. Governments must ensure their access to education, health care, and social services.

›  Article 51 (Contact with Parents): Children separated from their parents have the right to maintain contact with them, unless it is not in their best interests.

›  Article 52 (Implementation of the Convention): Governments must make the UNCRC widely known to adults and children alike.

›  Article 53 (Committee on the Rights of the Child): A committee of experts monitors the implementation of the UNCRC by governments.

› Article 54 (Reservations): Governments can make reservations to specific parts of the UNCRC, but these reservations should not violate the child’s rights.

›  These articles collectively emphasize the protection, well-being, and empowerment of children.

›  The article 43 to 54 are about how adults and government must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights.