CHILDREN HAVE RIGHTS

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990) is a document drafted by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, intended to promote and protect the well being of children. The Convention was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, on November 20, 1989. Several countries affirmed their commitment to children by either signing or ratifying the Convention. India ratified the Convention on December 11, 1992.

The Convention recognizes the vulnerability of children and emphasizes that the essential needs of children should be given priority during resource allocation for their special care and assistance. It further stresses on the need to create an environment conducive to the healthy growth and development of children, with special mention of the importance of family. The document emphasizes that the rights should be extended to all children without discrimination irrespective of their race, nationality, origin, colour, sex, status, language, religion, disability, and property.

The Convention recognizes that in all countries there are children living in exceptionally difficult circumstances who need special consideration. Expressing concern on the magnitude of the problem, the Convention advocates action by all individuals and organizations to promote the rights of children consistent with the traditions and cultural values of the child.

The Convention thus, draws attention to four sets of rights for every child:

THE RIGHT TO SURVIVAL
“Includes the right to life, the highest attainable standard of health, nutrition, and adequate standards of living. It also includes the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality, and as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents”.