UN Prescribed Eight Rights That Every Child Has

Children are the most vulnerable to economic change and sociopolitical upheavals. They go unnoticed and their growing years can be greatly hampered and lost in such turmoil. As the world becomes more and more connected, it is becoming easier to detect and mark out atrocities committed against children. Children in war torn countries are being trafficked and robbed of their childhood. As they are vulnerable, they tend to trust anyone who can make them feel warm and safe. They are then trafficked into beggary or child sex trade.

Here are some points to remember when looking at what child rights has been defined as by the Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children, in 1923. These were then adopted by the United Nations in 1959. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) defined articles to safeguard the rights of children:

Here is a low down on them:

Right to An identity:

Every child, irrespective of the age, has a right to a formal name and identity. Article 5 & 6 states that every child is entitled to a name, legally registered with the government, and a nationality. They must also have the right to an identity, in the form of a public record which ensures national support and access to social services.

Right To Health:

With reference to Articles 23 and 24, children have the right to health that covers medical care and attention, nutrition, protection from ill habits, including drugs. All these are horribly managed in Africa, some poor Middle Eastern countries and in India too. It also highlights the child’s right to safe working environments. The articles also cover access to special care and support for children with special needs, as well as quality health care, which includes drinking water, nutrition, and a safe environment.

Right To Education:

This is considered a fundamental right in many countries’ constitutions. Under Article 28, every child has the right to free primary education. This will ensure the disciplinary development of a child’s body and mind while nurturing their growth in a safe and healthy environment. This right also necessitates freedom from violence, abuse or neglect.

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Right To Family Life:

A child has an obligation to stay with parent only to be able to find a place safe to grow and be nurtured. Articles 8, 9, 10, 16, 20, 22 and 40 state that a child has the right to be cared for and nurtured; if not by family members, then by caretakers until they are independently able to care for themselves on all fronts, including corporeal and psychological functions.

Right To Be Protected From Violence:

Under Articles 19 and 34, a child has the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including ill-treatment, sexual, and/or physical violence

Right To Have An Opinion:

A child is also entitled to an opinion and cannot be shut-up on the context of being called a child. While an adult can make a decision on behalf of a child, it shouldn’t be done so, without taking a child’s opinion into consideration.

Right To Protection From Armed Conflict:

Article 38 and 39 clearly state that very child has the right to be protected from all armed conflict that endangers their lives. These incidents can potentially convert innocent children into refugees, prisoners, or participants in these conflicts. 

Right To Be Protected From Exploitation:

A child cannot be forced to work in difficult or dangerous situations. There are many articles protecting children from undue exploitation like Articles 19, 32, 34, 36 and 39. These cover aspects of abuse, negligence, violence, and maltreatment by parents, even if it is used to correct a child’s behaviour.