What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a United Nations human rights treaty. It outlines the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children. The Convention recognizes that children have the right to protection and special care because of their physical and mental immaturity. The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989 and it came into force on September 2, 1990. It has been ratified by 196 countries, including the United States. In Pennsylvania, the Convention was added to the state law on June 24, 1991. The Convention defines the rights of children, such as the right to life, survival and development, the right to protection from all forms of physical or mental violence and neglect, the right to freedom of expression, the right to education, the right to health and medical care, the right to an adequate standard of living and access to recreational activities, and the right to participate in matters that affect their lives. The Convention also creates a framework to ensure these rights are realized by governments. Governments must implement laws and policies to protect the rights of children, fund services and programs that promote child welfare, and monitor and evaluate these measures. It is important to note that the Convention only applies to children under the age of eighteen. The Convention serves as a critical tool for recognizing the rights of children and for protecting their best interests. It serves as a point of reference in international, regional, and domestic legal systems, as well as in policy, research, and advocacy activities.
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