What is the Declaration of the Rights of the Child?
The Declaration of the Rights of the ChildThe Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1959, is a fundamental document that recognises the specific rights of children throughout the world and the responsibilities of adults towards them. It lays the foundations for ensuring that all children, without discrimination, can live in an environment that fosters their development, well-being and protection. This declaration marks an essential step in the international recognition of children's rights.
Action Education is actively committed to defending and promoting these rights, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalised children. Through its actions, it ensures that every child has access to quality education, which is crucial to the realisation of their fundamental rights.
History of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child
The history of children's rights is punctuated by key moments that have progressively shaped the protection and recognition of children at international level.
The first initiatives: The Geneva Declaration (1924)
The first significant milestone in the history of children's rights was the Geneva Declaration adopted in 1924 by the League of Nations. This document, although succinct, already laid down the fundamental principles of child protection, emphasising the importance of children's welfare and safety, particularly in times of war.
The founding of the UN and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
After the Second World War, the founding of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) in 1945 marked a new stage. Its mission was to maintain peace and protect human rights. In 1948, the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognised the inalienable rights of all human beings, including children. However, it soon became clear that specific attention needed to be paid to children's rights.
Towards the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959)
In the post-Second World War context, marked by reconstruction and increased recognition of the specific vulnerabilities of children, the UN intensified its efforts to create a more specific framework for children's rights. Faced with the inadequacy of existing instruments, several UN member states proposed the creation of a binding international convention to protect children's rights. However, a compromise was reached: rather than a convention, the UN General Assembly opted for a new declaration, more detailed and adapted to the specific needs of children.
The 20 November 1959the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. This unanimous adoption underlines the universal importance attached to child protection. The Declaration is made up of ten fundamental principles, each designed to guarantee the well-being, education and protection of children throughout the world.
This Declaration marks a major turning point in the way the international community perceives and treats children's rights. It lays the foundations for future international conventions and legislation, such as the International Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted in 1989.
The main articles of the 1959 Declaration
The 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child sets out ten fundamental principles, each designed to protect and promote the specific rights of children. These principles are both universal and timeless, and continue to guide policies and actions for children around the world.
Principle 1: The right to equality without discrimination
The first principle states that all children, regardless of race, religion, national or social origin, have the right to equality. This fundamental principle aims to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, benefits from the same opportunities and protections.
Principle 2: Right to special protection
Children are entitled to special protection and to a safe and caring environment, where they can grow up without being exposed to danger or abuse. This principle underlines the obligation of States to create a legislative and social environment that enables children to develop in a healthy manner, physically, intellectually, morally, spiritually and socially.
Principle 3: The right to an identity
From birth, every child has the right to a name and a nationality. This right to an identity is fundamental because it conditions access to all other rights. Without a legal identity, a child risks being deprived of basic rights such as education, healthcare and social protection. Official recognition of a child's identity is therefore a major issue for his or her dignity and development.
Principle 4: The right to social security and medical care
The Declaration emphasises the right of every child to appropriate care, including social security, adequate nutrition, housing, recreation and health care. This principle is particularly important to ensure that all children, including the most vulnerable, can develop in decent living conditions. Prenatal and postnatal care for the mother is also essential to ensure a good start in life for the child.
Principle 5: The right to appropriate care for children with disabilities
Children with physical, mental or social disabilities require special care and attention. This principle affirms the right of these children to receive treatment and education appropriate to their condition, to enable them to participate fully in society.
Principle 6: The right to a loving and secure family environment
The child's harmonious development depends on a family environment marked by love and understanding. The Declaration stresses the importance of growing up under the responsibility of parents, or in their absence, in a setting that ensures the child's moral and material security. This principle reflects the conviction that family affection and stability are essential for the balanced development of the child's personality.
Principle 7: The right to free education and play
The Declaration emphasises children's right to free education, which must be geared towards the development of their abilities, as well as their right to play. L'access to quality educationCombined with the right to play and engage in recreational activities, this is essential for developing responsible and fulfilled individuals.
Principle 8: The right to protection in the event of danger
In all circumstances, children must be among the first to receive help and protection. This principle is particularly relevant in times of war or disaster, where children are often the most vulnerable.
Principle 9: The right to protection against all forms of exploitation
Children must be protected from all forms of neglect, cruelty, exploitation or trafficking. This principle is essential to prevent practices such as child labour, violence and abuse.
Principle 10: The right to education for peace and tolerance
The last principle emphasises that children's education should aim to develop their sense of responsibility and promote peace and tolerance. This principle supports the idea that education is not only a right, but also a tool for building a more just and peaceful world.
