CHILDREN'S DIGNITY REPRESENTATIVES Course 1: Children''s rights

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source OHCHR

A child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier. 

Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child's or his or her parent's or legal guardian's race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.

 Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of the child's parents, legal guardians, or family members.

In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

Article 13 1. 

The child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child's choice. 2. The exercise of this right may be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: (a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others; or (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.

source: Google

Children have the right to join or create groups and organizations. They have the right to meet with others and advocate for change, as long as they do not harm others. Children have the right to give their opinions on issues that affect them. Adults should take the concerns and opinions of children seriously.

source: YOUTH DO IT

The rights of the child are specific rights to protect all young people under 18. Children are entitled to these rights to protect their more vulnerable position in society and to give their position special attention. A person younger than 18 years old is protected by human rights and children’s rights.

Children’s rights are important because:

• They recognize the right to meaningful participation of youth on policies and programmes that concern them.

• They make sure children can reach their full potential, by having access to education, health care (reproductive rights), participate in society, have access to (sexuality) information, etc.

• They protect children from violence and abuse.

• They ensure mutual respect amongst children, but also within their relations with adults, to develop respectful behaviour and attitudes towards others.

History of children's rights

The rights of the child were adopted through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989 and recognize the economic, social and cultural rights of children. It is an international treaty, which has been signed by all countries in the world, except for the USA and South-Sudan.

There are 42 rights listed under the convention of the rights of the child! Our friends at Plan international created a youth-friendly poster that lists them all. Have a look! They range from the right to information, to the right to protection, to live free from abuse etc.