This week, we are going to be exploring Articles 1,4 and 41: Making Rights Happen
The Convention on the Rights of the Child brings together a range of rights that all children aged under 18 are entitled to, no matter who they are or where they are born. These rights ensure that all children are given the support they need to develop and reach their potential and are protected from harm. Governments across the world have signed up to the CRC and have promised to make the rights within the CRC a reality for children in their country and a number of articles specifically mention what governments must do to make rights happen.
Article 1 makes clear that everyone under the age of 18 has all the rights in the Convention.
Article 4 states that governments must do all they can to make sure every child can enjoy their rights by creating systems and passing laws that promote and protect childrenâs rights.
Article 41 states that if a country has laws and standards that go further than the present Convention, then the country must keep these laws.
To help us understand these a little better, why not try one of the activities below:
Activity 1Â
Do you know five key words related to rights? They are universal, unconditional, inherent, inalienable and indivisible! If this is new to you, have a look at thisâŻpresentation on this website and see how many of the five you can remember! Make a short video to explain the words to your teachers and to other children in your school.
Activity 2Â
Each country of the UK has a childrenâs commissioner whose job it is to promote childrenâs rights and make sure that children are being supported. Find out more about the Childrenâs Commissioner in your part of the UK. Why not write a letter to them to explain why you think childrenâs rights are important?
Activity 3Â
WatchâŻthis videoâŻabout the history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Discuss why you think the United Nations decided to create a special convention just for children.
