What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international agreement that sets forth the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children all over the world. It was created in 1989 and is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. The CRC has 54 articles that detail the rights of children and outlines the obligations of governments and other stakeholders to ensure that these rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. The rights recognized by the CRC include the right to protection from physical and psychological harm, the right to education and health care, the right to freedom of expression and thought, and the right to participate in decisions that affect them. In Michigan, the CRC is used by communities and organizations to protect the rights of children and to advocate for better policies and services for children. These organizations work to ensure that children’s rights are respected and fulfilled, and provide resources to educate and empower children and families. Local governments in Michigan may also use the CRC to help shape and define their child-related policies. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is important because it reminds us that children, as rights-holders, have the same fundamental rights as adults. It elevates the voices of children and calls on governments to take action to ensure that children’s rights are respected and fulfilled.

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