HUMAN RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN jacqui@unicef.org.nz

The United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child jacqui@unicef.org.nz

HISTORY In 1989 after almost 10 years of discussing and deciding what would be in the convention, world leaders came together and created the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. (UNCROC/CRC) The CRC is the first international legally binding agreement to accord a full range of human rights to children including; civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

About the Convention on the Rights of the Child http://teachunicef.org/explore/topic/child-rights-crc jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Articles The CRC consists of 54 articles, which are statements outlining each child right. These rights can be grouped into 3 main categories; provision, participation, protection. A young boy from Swaziland attends a UNICEF supported school. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

It has been ratified by 193 nations It has been ratified by 193 nations. The only two United Nations member nations that haven’t ratified the CRC are the USA, Somalia and South Sudan. A baby in Somalia clings to its mother while to register for a nutrition programme at one of the camps. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

New Zealand Once a nation has ratified the CRC they have agreed to uphold human rights for children and are bound by international law to do so. New Zealand ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1993. This means there have been internationally recognised rights for children for more than 20 years. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

The Committee for the Rights of the Child Countries must report to the Committee for the Rights of the Child which is based in Geneva, on how well they are progressing on the status of children’s rights in their country. In Cote D’Ivoire a 4 year old boy stands in a charcoal factory where his mother works. Despite Article 42 stating the Government has the responsibility to make the convention known about to adults and children, there is little known about the convention here in New Zealand. The Committee has made strong recommendations that the government address this lack of knowledge and promotion of the Convention jacqui@unicef.org.nz

UNICEF promoting Children’s rights In some countries the convention has: Inspired changes in laws to better protect children. Altered the way international organisations see their work for children. Supported an agenda to better protect children in armed conflict. Has seen the abolition of corporal punishment against children in schools and by their parents/adults. The provision of child and family justice systems. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

UNICEF promoting Children’s rights Though many countries have ratified the CRC, adhering to and enforcing it are another story. Sadly this is made clear by the appalling numbers of children who die from preventable causes, or are denied their basic rights such as education, play, healthy food, healthy living environments, love and protection. Girls carry bricks in the town of Zemio in Haut Mbomou Prefecture. They are working to earn money to hire teachers for their camp. More than 2,500 refugees and 5,000 displaced people sought refuge in Zemio after the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a Ugandan rebel group that has invaded parts of the country, became active in the area. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

UNICEF promoting Children’s rights UNICEF works globally to ensure those promises made to children are met. Some examples are: Lobbying government for law and policy change. Programmes that focus on realising rights for children such as; universal access to primary education, rehabilitation and reunification of child soldiers, education programmes for street children, immunisation, health care and nutrition programmes. Using celebrity ambassadors to endorse and raise awareness about children’s rights around the globe. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Programmes for New Zealand Children UNICEF runs a number of programmes in New Zealand to promote and reinforce children’s rights. Some examples are: Lobbying government to recognise the Convention on the Rights of the Child in policy and decision making for or about children. Promoting a national plan of action for New Zealand Children ‘Making New Zealand Fit for Children’. Children are Unbeatable Be a Hero Child Friendly Cities jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Children are Unbeatable Children are Unbeatable states the case for violence free parenting. It is a report focusing on the negative effects of smacking/hitting as a parenting tool. In 2004 80 New Zealand children were surveyed on their opinion feelings about being smacked. Shockingly only 8% had never been smacked whilst 1/3 had experienced serous harm. Overwhelmingly children agreed that smacking made them angry, confused and even unloved. Anti-smacking is about providing children with the same rights as adults to be protected from assault. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Child Friendly Cities Initiative UNICEF is party to the international Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), and is a member of the Asia Pacific Network to promote Child Friendly Cities. What does it mean to be part of a Child Friendly City? In Child Friendly Cities children and young people can: Influence decisions about their city/community. Express their opinions on the community/city they want. Participate in family, cultural, community/city social life. Be safe and protected from exploitation, violence and abuse. Meet friends and have spaces and places to play and enjoy themselves. Have green spaces for plants and animals. Live in a clean unpolluted environment. Be an equal citizen regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion, income or ability. Auckland City Council canvassed children’s opinions by asking children to make submissions jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Celebrity Ambassadors jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Celebrity Ambassadors jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Celebrity Ambassadors Orlando Bloom speaks up for children’s Rights jacqui@unicef.org.nz

All children have the same rights. All rights are interconnected an of equal importance. These rights that are accorded to all children should be affirmed and respected by all children and adults. jacqui@unicef.org.nz

Find out More … Jacqui Southey – jacqui@unicef.org.nz In you are interested in Child Rights Education and would like to know more about the development of child rights based education in your school, Contact: Jacqui Southey – jacqui@unicef.org.nz UNICEF Child Rights Education Advisor jacqui@unicef.org.nz