Part IV of VI from 'Action Versus Convention' [direct copy]


United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): The articles


October 24, 2013, Great Britain, UK


Articles 1 to 41 of the convention set out the rights of children and the corresponding obligations of state parties (governments) to safeguard them. Article 42 requires states to publicise the principles and provisions of the convention to children, young people, parents and carers, and everyone working with children and young people.
The convention covers the following subjects:

• definition of children as all persons less than 18 years of age, unless the legal age of majority in a country is lower
• general principles, including
  • the right to life, survival and development
  • the right to non-discrimination
  • respect for the views of children
  • the requirement to give primary consideration to the child's best interests in all matters affecting them
• civil rights and freedoms, including
  • the right to a name and nationality
  • the right to freedom of expression, thought and association
  • the right to access to information
  • the right not to be subjected to torture
• family environment and alternative care, including
  • the right to live with and have contact with both parents
  • the right to be reunited with parents if separated from them
  • the right to the provision of appropriate alternative care where necessary
• basic heath and welfare, including
  • the rights of disabled children
  • the right to healthcare, social security, childcare services and an adequate standard of living
• education, leisure and cultural activities, including
  • the right to education
  • the rights to play, leisure and participation in cultural life and the arts
• special protection measures covering the rights of
  • refugee children
  • those affected by armed conflicts
  • children in the juvenile justice system
  • children deprived of their liberty
  • children suffering economic, sexual or other forms of exploitation.

More information about the convention and the articles is available in the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child website.

'These all are excellent pieces of Conventions leading to have various forms of legislations for the governments signed into agreement. However, if the culture of implementation is unchanged, remain dogmatic and less progressive an apology after apology will be the norm of all authorities assigned to protect the rights of children after all went terribly wrong'.

Denboba Natie