The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: purpose and global protections

UNCRC is powerful organization which garners a majority of its strength from its widespread appeal and large UN backing. By protecting the rights of children, the UNCRC provides an integral role in the mitigation of societal abuse.

What is the point of the UNCRC?

Each year, our planet becomes more interconnected due primarily to the effects of globalization. Many countries prosperity, both economically and socially depend on the success and prominence of surrounding nations. As such, due in part to this globalization, emerging markets such as China, Brazil, India, and Russia now have a burgeoning middle class. This middle class has more purchasing power and can now demand discretionary goods and services. The children of this new middle class are very important as they will continue the trend of world growth and development. As such, it is very important to have standards and duties in place to protect the rights of those 18 years and under from abuse. This is the primary duty of the UNCRC. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children was ratified in 1989 with the express purpose of protecting the rights of children. Nations, upon reveal of the documents and subsequent articles, can ratify the agreement. This binds all member countries to international law monitored primarily by the United Nations.

More importantly, governments of member countries are required to meet once a year to report and discuss their progress in regards to protecting children's rights. Member countries may also elect to discuss the status of overall children's rights within their respective country. These reports are subsequently posted on the UN website and are available to view by the general public. The primary point of such an exercise is to help foster a continued and vigorous approach to the protection of children's rights around the world. It is often the case that children are unable to speak for themselves in matters regarding their personal affairs. Particularly in emerging countries, children's rights can easily be abused through lack of oversight and monitoring. Through the use of periodic meetings, the UN aims to help improve the overall rights and quality of life for children around the world in a uniform and fair manner.

The convention, in addition to the UNCRC is therefore charged with helping to mitigate the abuse of child related activities. To do this the convention attempts to address basic laws and premises regarding child activities including basic employment laws, the right to life, the right to be raised by both parents and so forth.

What in your opinion is its greatest STRENGTH?

The greatest strength of the UNCRC is by far its unanimous and widespread to appeal to all nations. Irrespective of geographic location or culture, the preservation of children's rights appeal to all stakeholder groups and constituents. The strength of the document is also determined by all the member nations who have subsequently signed it. This provides the document with credibility in regards to its appeal. With a vast majority of nations ratifying the document, it provides incentive for other nations to do so. The combination of the documents appeal and large member base provide the UNCRC strength.

Reference:

1) "Convention on the Rights of the Child." Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNCRC, n.d. Web. 19 June 2012. .