Convention on the Rights of the Child marks 21st year

MANILA, Philippines – A landmark document protecting and promoting the rights of children has turned 21 years old on November 20.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989 to set out the rights people under 18 years old should enjoy as human beings and identify special rights and protections they require.

It is legally binding, and has been signed and ratified by 193 countries, making it achieve near-universal acceptance.

Since then, November 20 has been celebrated annually as Universal Children’s Day.

According to a statement released by UNICEF, the rights “are predicated on the principles of universality, non-discrimination and accountability. This means that they apply equally to every child, including the most disadvantaged…Every child, no matter how disadvantaged by parental income or family circumstance, geography, disability, race or gender, has an equal right to enjoy the protection of the Convention and the rights it sets out.”

UNICEF advocates the protection of children’s rights and helps children meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities.

The 54 articles in the CRC set out universal human rights, including the rights to survival; develop to the fullest; protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and participate fully in family, cultural and social life.

These set the global minimum standards for health care, education, and access to legal, civil and social services.

Countries which signed the CRC, including the Philippines, commit to protect and ensure the children’s rights as outlined in the CRC. –abs-cbnNEWS.com