The 1924 Declaration of the Rights of
the Child is key. The United Nations helped create it. It was a first.
Children's rights were then part of international law. Before 1924, countries
did not agree to protect children the same way. After World War I, people saw
kids needed special care. The declaration had ideas about kids' health, safety,
and education. Countries started to think about what kids needed to grow up
well. The document was a big step. It paved the way for later, stronger laws
about children. It showed the world that kids' rights matter.
This important declaration marked a beginning
of a new era in children's lives, recognizing children's well-being and stating
that every child has the right to all that they need for full growth and
development. And this includes, but does not limit itself to, the
satisfaction of physical needs and spiritual support. It changed the way
society was viewing and protecting children's rights, away from old ideas
toward a more caring understanding that emphasizes the worthiness and dignity of
every child. The declaration, however, carries a powerful message-a call
that a child is not only the future, but he or she must be protected, cared
for, and given all the opportunities to grow in all spheres of life. It
has become an emblem for hope and achievement within the continuing effort to
assist each child in realizing their full potential and living a life with
dignity and purpose. This set a standard for international actions aimed
at safeguarding children's rights.
1. The
child that is hungry must be fed, the child that is sick must be
nursed, the child that is backward must be helped, the delinquent child
must be reclaimed, and the orphan and the waif must be sheltered and succored.
2. The
child must be the first to receive relief in times of distress.
3. The
child must be put in a position to earn a livelihood, and must be protected
against every form of exploitation.
4. The
child must be brought up in the consciousness that its talents must be devoted
to the service of its fellow men.
In 1959, the United Nations made a big
decision. The General Assembly agreed on ten key ideas. These ideas were to
protect children's rights all over the world. This agreement is known as the
Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It focuses on giving children the best
chance to grow up healthy and safe. The declaration includes ten principles.
These principles address various aspects of a child's life. They ensure access
to things like education, healthcare, and a nurturing family environment. The
full details of these ten principles are found in the declaration document (2):
1. The
right to equality, without distinction on account of race, religion or national
origin.
2. The
right to special protection for the child’s physical, mental and social
development.
3. The
right to a name and a nationality.
4. The
right to adequate nutrition, housing and medical services.
5. The
right to special education and treatment when a child is physically or mentally
handicapped.
6. The
right to understanding and love by parents and society.
7. The
right to recreational activities and free education.
8. The
right to be among the first to receive relief in all circumstances.
9. The
right to protection against all forms of neglect, cruelty and exploitation.
10. The right
to be brought up in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among
peoples, and universal brotherhood.
The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention
on the Rights of the Child 1989 in 1989, and it was ratified by most of the member
states with no votes against it. The Convention was adopted and opened for
signature, ratification and accession by the United Nations General Assembly
through resolution 44/25 on November 20, 1989. It came into force on September
2, 1990. As stated in Article 1, a child is defined as any human being under
eighteen.
The CRC holds binding forces. It is a
remarkable departure in field of Rights of the Child. In the CRC, the rights
and responsibilities of the children have been clearly outlined, including
survival, development, protection, and participation, as well as obligations to
parents and families.
Four main principles
1.
Non-discrimination (article 2): All children have rights, regardless of
race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national,
ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.
2. Devotion
to the best interests of the child (article 3): The child’s best interests must
be a primary consideration in all decisions affecting her or him.
3. The
right to life, survival and development (article 6): All children have a right
to life, and to survive and develop – physically, mentally, spiritually,
morally, psychologically and socially – to their full potential.
4. Respect
for the views of the child (article 12): Children have the right to express
themselves freely on matters that affect them, and to have their views taken
seriously.
