Children's rights
Children's rights
Why do we need children's rights? Which children's rights are included in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child? And what do children's rights mean for parenting? Find out more about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in this article.
What are children's rights?
Children have rights! Children's rights are rights enshrined worldwide in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect and promote the participation of children. They describe what children need to grow up well and healthy. In the Convention on the Rights of the Child, "children" refers to all people under the age of 18, including young people.
What is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?
On November 20, 1989, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is one of the most signed human rights treaties in the world. It came into force in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1992. The Convention lays down key provisions for the protection of children worldwide. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child monitors compliance. Countries that have signed the convention must regularly report to the Committee on what they are doing to implement children's rights.
The four basic principles of this convention include
- the prohibition of discrimination,
- the right to life, survival and development,
- the principle of the best interests of the child and
- the right to participation
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A key statement in the Convention is that in all actions concerning children, their best interests shall be a primary consideration.
Which children's rights are included in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child consists of a total of 54 articles. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has summarized the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 10 basic rights:
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Right to equality
No child should be disadvantaged. For example, it must not matter whether the child is a girl or a boy, what language they speak and what skin color or religion they have.
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Right to health
All children have the right to grow up healthy. This is only possible if they receive good nutrition and clean drinking water and are adequately treated in the event of illness.
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Right to education
All children have the right to go to school. Later, children have the right to pursue an education according to their needs and abilities.
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Right to play and leisure
All children in the world should be allowed to play. They have the right to play sports, to be artistically active and also to rest.
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Right to freedom of expression
Every child has the right to express their opinion freely. Adults should take children seriously and let them have a say in decisions that affect them.
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Right to protection from violence
No child should be beaten or abused.
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Right to protection during war and flight
Children who experience war or have to flee are particularly exposed to many dangers. That is why they have a right to special protection.
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Right to protection from exploitation
No child has to carry out work if it endangers their health or development.
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Right to parental care
All children have the right to live with their father and mother - even if they live separately. The parents take care of the child's welfare.
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Right to special care in case of disability
Children with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else. They should be supported as much as possible if they need special care.
The complete UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the official translation can be found on the website www.kinderrechte.de.
How are children's rights regulated in Germany?
By ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992, Germany committed itself to promoting the implementation of children's rights both nationally and in development cooperation. In Germany, for example, children's rights are taken into account in the Child and Youth Welfare Act (Social Code VIII).
What do children's rights mean for you as parents and family?
As parents, you play a central role in your child's development. You are the most important person to look after your child's well-being and interests. By observing general children's rights in everyday family life, you create the best conditions for your child to grow up healthy and happy.
This includes:
- For a healthy upbringing, promote a loving family environment in which your child experiences security, warmth, respect, appreciation, openness, safety, stimulation and support.
- As parents, you take your child seriously and respect their wishes and needs
- When you as parents make decisions that affect your child, they are involved in accordance with their age and maturity. Your child can expect you to listen to them and respect their opinion.
- As a parent, you treat your child as an equal and encourage them to act independently and responsibly.
- Your child has the right to a non-violent upbringing. Physical punishments, emotional injuries and other degrading measures are not permitted.
- You allow your child freedom and set clear boundaries when your child needs to be protected and supported
- Your child has the right to learn as much as they want and are able to. When choosing a type of school, training and profession, take your child's aptitude and inclination into consideration.
- Your child has the right to have their own space and privacy respected. This includes, for example, not reading chats on the cell phone or the diary.
- If your child lives separately from one or both parents and access rights are not restricted, they have the right to a personal relationship and contact with both parents.
- One of your responsibilities as a parent is to inform your child of their rights. After all, your child can only make use of their rights once they are aware of them.
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Where can children and parents turn if children's rights are violated?
The German Children's Fund, the German Child Protection Association and UNICEF Germany have joined forces to form an action alliance for children's rights. Among other things, they are committed to ensuring that there are children's offices, children's representatives and children's parliaments everywhere. Children, parents and fellow citizens can turn to these institutions with their questions and concerns about children's rights.
Many municipalities in NRW have children's offices or children's representatives or another body that looks after the interests of children. You can find out whether there are special contact persons available in your area and how they can be reached on the website of the respective municipality.
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