What is it?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is a human rights treaty about the rights that all children under the age of 18 are entitled to. It was signed on 20 November 1989 and was effective on 2 September 1990. Currently, there are 140 signatories.
Why is it important?
The rights help children live happily and enjoy their time as a child. This means that all children have the right to life and their identities. To do this, the CRC states that parents and governments have the responsibility to act in the ‘best interests of the child’.
Every child is entitled to the CRC.
Story of a boy on a cocoa farm...
He is 12 years old and lives in Ghana. One day, he was taken to a cocoa farmer who told him he could work to help support his family. The boy agreed.
His day begins at 6am and ends in the evening. He has a lot of jobs, including using a chainsaw to clear forests. He also climbs cocoa trees to cut bean pods using a machete, a large and dangerous knife. At first, he got a lot of scars on his hands and arms. After that, he puts the bean pods into sacks, which can weigh more than 45kg.
After a long day at work, it’s time for dinner–corn paste and bananas. He feels really tired, so he goes back to his room that doesn't have a window. He lies down on a wooden plank which is his bed. Faces of his family appear in his mind; he hasn’t seen them in four months. Sometimes, he thinks of escaping. But he knows what will happen if he escapes.
Do you think the CRC applies to this boy?
Take a closer look at three of the articles...
Article 12
"Every child has the right to have a say in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously."
This article means that the opinions and voices of children are important. You know you have this right when adults pay attention when listening to you.
Article 30
"Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, regardless of whether these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live."
This article means that children come from many backgrounds, and they should not be afraid to express it. This is important in New Zealand because we are a multicultural society where children from different backgrounds come together. You know you have this right when you feel safe and happy expressing your culture; everyone else around you respects you.
Article 31
"Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities."
This article means that children should all take part in fun activities such as sport, music, baking or anything else, because it helps children grow and feel happy. You know you have this right when there are extracurricular activities offered at your school or local community and you can join them.
"In serving the best interests of children, we serve the best interests of all humanity."
- Carol Bellamy
What you can do
- Tell your friends and family about the CRC
- Donate to help children who are not living with these rights, such as UNICEF
