| United Nations Association of Greater Oklahoma City |
| The UN Association of the USA Greater OKC Chapter P.O. Box 60856 Oklahoma City, OK 73146-0856 Contact Us |
| The United Nations Association is a not-for- profit, nonpartisan organization that supports the work of the United Nations and encourages active civic participation in the most important social and economic issues facing the world today. As a local chapter of the nation's largest grassroots foreign policy organization, the UN Association of Greater OKC offers Oklahomans the opportunity to connect with issues confronted by the UN -- from global health and human rights to the spread of democracy, equitable development and international justice. |
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The human rights of children and the standards to which all governments must
aspire in realizing these rights for all children, are most concisely and fully
articulated in one international human rights treaty: the Convention on the Rights of
the Child. The Convention is the most universally accepted human rights
instrument in history – it has been ratified by every country in the world except two –
and therefore uniquely places children center-stage in the quest for the universal
application of human rights. By ratifying this instrument, national governments have
committed themselves to protecting and ensuring children's rights and they have
agreed to hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the
international community.
Built on varied legal systems and cultural traditions, the Convention on the Rights
of the Child is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and
obligations. It spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere – without
discrimination – have: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection
from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family,
cultural and social life. Every right spelled out in the Convention is inherent to the
human dignity and harmonious development of every child. The Convention
protects children's rights by setting standards in health care, education and legal,
civil and social services. These standards are benchmarks against which progress
can be assessed. States that are party to the Convention are obliged to develop
and undertake all actions and policies in the light of the best interests of the child.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international
instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights – civil and political rights as
well as economic, social and cultural rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
A: The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that
recognizes the human rights of children, defined as persons up to the age of 18
years. In 41 substantive articles, it establishes in international law that States
Parties must ensure that all children – without discrimination in any form – benefit
from special protection measures and assistance; have access to services such
as education and health care; can develop their personalities, abilities and talents
to the fullest potential; grow up in an environment of happiness, love and
understanding; and are informed about and participate in, achieving their rights in
an accessible and active manner.
Q: What is the new vision of the child in the Convention?
A: The Convention provides a universal set of standards to be adhered to by all
countries. It reflects a new vision of the child. Children are neither the property of
their parents nor are they helpless objects of charity. They are human beings and
are the subject of their own rights. The Convention offers a vision of the child as an
individual and a member of a family and a community, with rights and
responsibilities appropriate to his or her age and stage of development.
Recognizing children's rights in this way firmly sets a focus on the whole child.
Previously seen as negotiable, the child's needs have become legally binding
rights.
Q: How does the Convention define a child?
A: The Convention defines a "child" as a person below the age of 18, unless the
relevant laws recognize an earlier age of majority. In some cases, States are
obliged to be consistent in defining benchmark ages – such as the age for
admission into employment and completion of compulsory education; but in other
cases the Convention is unequivocal in setting an upper limit – such as prohibiting
life imprisonment or capital punishment for those under 18 years of age.
For more information ...
aspire in realizing these rights for all children, are most concisely and fully
articulated in one international human rights treaty: the Convention on the Rights of
the Child. The Convention is the most universally accepted human rights
instrument in history – it has been ratified by every country in the world except two –
and therefore uniquely places children center-stage in the quest for the universal
application of human rights. By ratifying this instrument, national governments have
committed themselves to protecting and ensuring children's rights and they have
agreed to hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the
international community.
Built on varied legal systems and cultural traditions, the Convention on the Rights
of the Child is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and
obligations. It spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere – without
discrimination – have: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection
from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family,
cultural and social life. Every right spelled out in the Convention is inherent to the
human dignity and harmonious development of every child. The Convention
protects children's rights by setting standards in health care, education and legal,
civil and social services. These standards are benchmarks against which progress
can be assessed. States that are party to the Convention are obliged to develop
and undertake all actions and policies in the light of the best interests of the child.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international
instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights – civil and political rights as
well as economic, social and cultural rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
A: The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that
recognizes the human rights of children, defined as persons up to the age of 18
years. In 41 substantive articles, it establishes in international law that States
Parties must ensure that all children – without discrimination in any form – benefit
from special protection measures and assistance; have access to services such
as education and health care; can develop their personalities, abilities and talents
to the fullest potential; grow up in an environment of happiness, love and
understanding; and are informed about and participate in, achieving their rights in
an accessible and active manner.
Q: What is the new vision of the child in the Convention?
A: The Convention provides a universal set of standards to be adhered to by all
countries. It reflects a new vision of the child. Children are neither the property of
their parents nor are they helpless objects of charity. They are human beings and
are the subject of their own rights. The Convention offers a vision of the child as an
individual and a member of a family and a community, with rights and
responsibilities appropriate to his or her age and stage of development.
Recognizing children's rights in this way firmly sets a focus on the whole child.
Previously seen as negotiable, the child's needs have become legally binding
rights.
Q: How does the Convention define a child?
A: The Convention defines a "child" as a person below the age of 18, unless the
relevant laws recognize an earlier age of majority. In some cases, States are
obliged to be consistent in defining benchmark ages – such as the age for
admission into employment and completion of compulsory education; but in other
cases the Convention is unequivocal in setting an upper limit – such as prohibiting
life imprisonment or capital punishment for those under 18 years of age.
For more information ...
“We all want a
better world for
children. But so
far, it is adults
that have called
the shots. Now,
we are going to
build a better
world with
children."
— Kofi Annan,
Past Secretary-
General, The
United Nations
better world for
children. But so
far, it is adults
that have called
the shots. Now,
we are going to
build a better
world with
children."
— Kofi Annan,
Past Secretary-
General, The
United Nations
| Revised Feb. 2, 2008 Webmaster |
