Definition of Children's Rights

From the most remote times the kids have been exposed to all kinds of forms of exploitation and abuse. For this reason, after World War II it was conscience of this situation and the UN reached the conclusion that children should be protected. Later, specifically in 1989, the UN adopted an agreement that represented a change of paradigm with respect to childhood. This change was specified in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This treaty is the international agreement that has elicited the most unanimity in all the nations of the planet.

The importance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at the international level

The Convention on the Rights of the Child establishes a series of minimum parameters to protect children on issues such as health, education and social services. In addition, with this treaty the nations commit themselves so that children live a dignified childhood, that is, that they can play and express their concerns in everything that affects them. This recognition of children's rights has been incorporated by many countries in their constitutional texts and is a reference in policies dedicated to children.

Although this new conception of childhood has not solved all the problems that affect minors, it is undoubtedly a significant advance. In this sense, the issue of child labor has been addressed on the international agenda, an issue that traditionally was a taboo on the global agenda. Something similar has happened with issues such as child trafficking or the protection of the most vulnerable minors.

The main problem is to enforce the laws

One of the still unresolved problems is enforcing the laws when children are unprotected in some way. At present there are still dramatic situations, such as labor exploitation, minors who participate in armed conflicts or girls who are forced to contract marriage.

Analysts who study this reality consider that in order to respond to these problems, comprehensive solutions must be provided. Because of this, the Convention on the Rights of the Child calls on the international community to create spaces in which children can grow up, learn and develop.

So that these ideals do not remain on paper, it is necessary to implement effective actions in education, health programs and other basic services. Obviously, for rights to be effective they must be supported and respected by the whole of society.

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