Every child has basic human rights. The United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) applies to all children aged 18 or under, and gives children rights in social, economic, civil and cultural issues. The Children’s Rights Alliance for England (CRAE), which is a non government organisation, also monitors development in the UK.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child Treaty
Since 1992, when the Treaty came into force, children in the UK have been entitled to over 40 specific human rights.
As with all humans a child has the right to life, development and survival. They also have the basic right to have their best interests considered at all times and their rights to be respected, regardless of personal view. Freedom of expression, the right to live within a safe family environment and to have contact with both parents, where possible, is also listed. There are also health and welfare rights and the right to enjoy education, the arts, cultural and leisure activities.
Every child is also entitled to special protection from exploitation – whether that is sexual or economic. Those children in the juvenile justice system and refugee children also have special protection rights entitlement.
How Children’s Rights Affect Your Child
Your child has the right to an identity. This means having a name, nationality and the opportunity to explore their cultural heritage. It also means that no child should experience discrimination of any kind, because of their religion, beliefs, language and social origins. Rights also govern a child’s inclusion in recreational and artistic activities.
Where education is concerned every child is entitled to receive good general schooling and equal educational opportunities.
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A parent has parental responsibilities and obligations to provide their child with a safe home environment. This includes providing for the child financially, emotionally and physically. It also means that a child should be protected from violence and sexual exploitation and abuse.
A mother or father also has a duty to ensure their child, or children, receive the best level of care. The child’s best interests must also be considered as priority.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
How The Government Helps
Children’s Rights are protected by a number of established laws, and the government is committed to ensuring these laws provide the best level of protection possible for every child. The government also aims to continue to address certain issues, for instance reducing infant and child mortality, by providing adequate medical assistance. Issuing guidelines regarding nutrition and healthcare also enables parents to acknowledge and provide the best level of care for their child.
Poverty And Economic Issues
Poverty affects a vast number of children worldwide. These children miss out on fundamental rights like good health, nutrition, education and personal security and protection. The extent of poverty however, is generally linked to economic activity and policies. Charities like Save The Children work to promote policies and programmes that highlight national and international concerns, and also work with families to increase awareness and ability to care for the children.
Recently he has settled down and has had another child and although we tried again last June to foster a relationship between him and the children it didn’t progress to anything. This evening his girlfriend has contacted to say that they are pursuing court action with regards to the maintenance and for contact. I am just wondering what action he can take as I have complied with all requests for contact except on the occasions it clashed with my children’s karate and guiding/scouting meetings. The reason for this was down to his inability to be reliable. I know that contact/residency are areas that courts cover. The maintenance is handled by the CMS so I am confused about what the court will do about this issue. Generally I just wanted some guidance as both the children’s anxiety goes through the roof especially when their dad enters and leaves their lives repeatedly.
Thanks
My daughter is 14. He dad and I were married for almost 20 years before we separated. At first things were fine in that we were still mananging the childrne and their needs well. I kept him informed of what was going on. However, 9 months after our separation he met someone else. It was too quick for me as I was still comming to terms with the separation. However, it affected our daughter very badly. He moved in with this lady almost a year ago and my daughter has really struggled with the situation. She has more problems with her dad than she does with his new person. She seems decent and reports from my daughter were positive. My daughter became ill and she said her dad didnt really listen to her and didnt believe her when she had issues with her menatl and physocal health. Hes been out of the picture a lot because hes been so occupied with his new relationship and her children that hes shown little interest in his own duaghter especailly. There have been no enquiries about how she is, whats gong on, is there any way in which he can help. I dont think Im without fault but Ive really had to dig deep and try and work with the hurt and the anger that Ive felt so that it doeesnt affect the children.
She stayed with him for a week as things got too much for me. and now he wants me to INSIST that she goes to stay with him every other weekend. The thing is she is adamant that she doesnt want to go. He has let her down and caused constant dissapointment and she is very very angry and hurt. The problem is that she cant talk to him. She says she feels he ignores her and she says she feels invisible. The times when she has visited, she has come home very upset and it can take a whole week for her to ajust after two days with her father.
What advice can you give me? I cant enforce her stayinf with her dad. I have on several occsions spoken to her and she has gone to his house only to be let down again and again. Validating her belief that shes not important to him. Can she have a say in whether or not she stays with her dad? I am a little bit concerned that he thnks I am influencung her
They seem to settle at dad's house but I very uneasy about what he says to them, to calm them down.
He blames me for this behaviour and thinks I'm making them do it!
What rights do my children have?
Am I doing the right thing by sending them?
Please help
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