Topic > The effectiveness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Index IntroductionThe vulnerability of childrenThe Convention on the Rights of the ChildThe findings of the CRC and the main challengesConclusionIntroductionGlobally, hundreds of millions of young people live in fragile and conflict-affected places where Children's rights are largely denied and they are deprived of quality of life due to mistreatment, exploitation and violence. Fortunately, the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) by many nations has brought about significant improvements in protecting children and helping them achieve their rights as equal human beings. Child mortality has decreased, healthcare has improved, access to adequate education has increased, and child poverty has been addressed. The special case of Australia committing to the principle of the Best Interests of the Child Convention (BIC) shows a prime example of the CRC's effectiveness in ensuring children's rights. So, to discuss the topic of child rights, this essay analyzes the effectiveness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in promoting child rights. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Vulnerability of Children The United Nations Children's Rights states that children, those under the age of 18, are entitled to special protection and assistance because they are considered vulnerable. Although much controversy exists regarding a child's vulnerability, most researchers and scholars agree that from the beginning, children are highly dependent on others to meet their basic needs (Bagattini, 2019). This has been widely regarded as the most important source of a child's vulnerability. Furthermore, other authors recognize children's vulnerability on the basis that they are less able to avoid being harmed. Many of the problems faced by vulnerable children are the result of exploitation, violence and poverty. Fortunately, when surrounded by protective families and communities, free from exploitative practices and violence, and given the opportunity to thrive, even the most vulnerable children can thrive and reach their highest potential. This is why the United Nations considered it crucial that children's human rights require special protection and must be respected, starting with the consequences of world wars which have had a negative impact on children. The League of Nations, the former UN, originally formulated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights after World War I, declaring children's rights to life, food, shelter, education, justice, peace and more (Noggle, 2018). Having fully recognized that children were a particularly vulnerable group, the United Nations subsequently convened and adopted the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child, outlining specific responsibilities towards a vulnerable child (Noggle, 2018). After World War II, the United Nations finally accepted the Declaration which led to the creation and implementation of what is now known as the Convention on the Rights of the Child or CRC. It was the first ever international law to effectively guarantee children's rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child The Convention on the Rights of the Child is by far the most universal and extensive ratification of human rights in history. It states children's rights under 54 individual articles. The CRC encompasses various sets of children's rights, including social, economic, cultural, civil,policies and some rights of children in difficult situations such as abuse, separation from parents, exploitation or armed conflicts (Kolosov, 2000). The Convention is guided by four fundamental beliefs about children and their rights. First, children should not suffer discrimination (Article 2). Secondly, the best interests of the child must be the primary concern in any decision affecting the child (Article 3). Third, every child has the inherent right to life and healthy growth (Article 6). Finally, children also have the right to have their voices and views taken into account in matters that affect them (Article 12 ). Summarizing the whole holistic approach to the protection of children's rights, the fundamental conception of the CRC is to recognize the child as a full member of the human family (Kolosov, 2000). Full awareness is created that the child is neither a property of the family nor an object of adult rights, but is an active subject with his own rights. Therefore, the family is considered the central unit of society that constitutes the environment in which a child's developmental growth and well-being naturally occurs. Achievements of the CRC and key challenges Since the entry into force of the CRC in 1989, the quality of life of children has been improved as many member countries have integrated the provisions of the Convention into their constitutions and laws. The greatest impact documented after twenty-five years of implementation of the Convention is the change in the perception and treatment of children. They are now perceived as actively entitled to their rights to adequate education, healthcare, sufficient nutrition, space and a place to play, and freedom from exploitation and violence (Mauras, 2011). For example, a child born in 2010 has a significantly better life chance than a child born in 1990, as the number of children under 5 dying has been reduced by 50% (Svevo-Cianci & Lee, 2010). This was mainly attributed to the improvement in antenatal care received by mothers as the CRC obliges States Parties to ensure adequate healthcare for mothers before and after giving birth. Furthermore, important improvements are noted in promoting the survival and development of children. These include access to affordable, evidence-based interventions against serious diseases, increasing the number of vaccinations, effective treatment for diarrhoea, supplementing essential nutrients, tackling severe malnutrition and improving access to water safe and sanitation services (Svevo-Cianci & Lee, 2010). Furthermore, numerous articles of the Convention highlight the importance of early childhood development, resulting in more children enjoying vital primary education through better targeted policies and programs (Mauras, 2011). More importantly, CRC played an important role in early childhood development. create a better understanding of child poverty. This has been highlighted by social protection programs that have proven very effective in addressing the dangers and vulnerabilities associated with chronic child poverty, such as cash transfer programs that have enabled poor families to afford education for their sons (Svevo-Cianci & Lee, 2010). . Similarly, the Report Card series initiated by UNICEF has successfully placed child poverty and child well-being at the center of political debate in the EU (Mauras, 2011). All these initiatives have had a substantial impact on alleviating poverty among children, particularly on growth in school enrolment, improving access to,.