Childrens Rights: The Next 20 Years

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On November 20, 2009 the international community observed the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly. This became the first legally binding international convention to affirm human rights for all children, in all countries and cultures, at all times. The treaty spells out the basic human rights that children have; the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to attend school; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. They also are entitled to fresh drinking water; and birth certificates.

This treaty has inspired changes in laws to better protect children, altered the way international organizations deal with their work for children involved in armed conflict situations. There is still much to be done. Too many children are considered to be the property of adults, which leads to abuse and exploitation. The rights of children are not universally accepted. There should be “ALL RIGHTS FOR ALL CHILDREN” without reservation.

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