Like adults, children also have fundamental rights. Indeed, they are neither animals nor inert objects such as a movable or immovable property of parents. They are human beings, members of the family and the community. Find out in this article all you need to know about the child’s rights.

What Is the Real Definition of a Child?

The term child generally comes from the Latin word “infans,” meaning “one who does not speak”. In the beginning, it referred to a person from birth to the age of seven.

But since 1989, the International Convention on the Rights of the Child defines the term child as: “Every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.

Why Are Children’s Rights Important?

There are many reasons why children’s rights are essential:

Children Are Dependent on Their Parents

Minors are entirely dependent on adults for all their guidance and care. These are provided by their primary caregivers (parents or family members). But in the case that the latter cannot do so, the State (which is the primary duty bearer) takes charge of finding the solution through the establishment of adequate laws and structures in the interest of the children. Abuse by parents is part of the failure that justifies the interest of legislation in favor of children’s rights;

Children’s Views Are Important

Although children do not participate in political life, their views in the community, at school and at home must be taken into account. They are the future of the country. Therefore, their opinions on all issues that affect them should not be ignored, as this contributes significantly to their emancipation. Hence the importance of recognizing the importance of children’s rights once again.

Sudden Changes in Society Have Consequences on Children

Globalization, mass migration, the reduction of the social safety net, and climate change are all harming children. Their impacts can even be disastrous in situations of emergency and armed conflict. Without special rights for children, the weakest of the human race would be left defenseless.

What Are the Objectives of Children’s Rights?

Children’s rights consider their needs, fragility, and specificities. They also take into account the need for their full development. They must have the right to develop and live properly, both intellectually and physically.

What Are the Rights of the Child?

The rights of the child are generally composed of essential human rights and fundamental guarantees such as

• The right to dignity through protection from abuse, torture, slavery, etc.
• The right to life;
• The principle of non-discrimination;

The child also has other fundamental rights, such as

• Political and civil rights such as the right to a nationality and identity;
• Cultural, social and economic rights, including the right to the care and hygiene they may need to enjoy a better state of health, the right to a decent standard of living, a healthy and appropriate diet, the right to education, etc.
• Individual rights such as the right to be protected, living with one’s family, etc.
• Collective rights including the right of children from indigenous and minority groups, the right of children with disabilities, and the right of refugee children.