Children’s Rights in the World: Are They Always Guaranteed?

Wars, terrorism, economic crisis and unemployment are depriving millions of people of the right to a stable and dignified life. Unfortunately, it is not only adults who suffer the consequences, but also children’s rights. We must remember that the youngest are our future. This means that they can give us hope for a better tomorrow. However, we must guarantee them a healthy, loving environment – as well as the fundamental rights of every human being.

What Are Children’s Rights?

As human beings, children enjoy basic rights that are also common to their parents. It is therefore a question of the right to life, education, work, freedom of thought and opinion, without any discrimination on grounds of sex, race, religion or economic condition. And the first to guarantee these rights to their children are the parents themselves.

Poverty and Exploitation

Unfortunately, however, reality can be very different in some cases and not always because of parents.

For example, there are families who suddenly face serious economic problems. Very often, the sudden and prolonged lack of work can prevent parents from guaranteeing their children the right to maintenance and education. This specific right is one of the rights most at risk in the world.

Added to this is the right not to be exploited in any way. So if, for example, you want to involve your children in your work, remember that there are specific international laws governing the minimum age for admission to work.

Children’s Rights to Play

Because of their young age, the little ones also have additional rights, such as play and leisure time rights. In fact, all children have the right to play and recreational activities suitable for their age. Moreover, they must have access to cultural and artistic activities. These activities promote the child’s psychosocial development and their ability to relate to the outside world.

Family Rights

Dialogue makes it possible to discover and resolve any uncomfortable situations in good time. Establishing a peaceful dialogue with children also allows to respect their freedom of thought, speech and opinion. These rights are enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified in New York on 20 November 1999.

Listening to the needs of the child is fundamental in case of separation of parents and consequent legal disputes. Often, it is precisely the testimony of the youngest children that puts an end to conflicts and litigious situations. Children also have the right to have a peaceful relationship with both parents and relatives. This right is always guaranteed by international conventions for children.