The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. All but two countries have signed up to it. Adopted in 1989, it enshrines the notion that children have independent human rights. The CRC also established an international legal framework to protect children. But has it actually improved children’s lives?

The CRC is a seminal piece of international legislation, which has generated a global sense of responsibility towards the protection of children’s rights. Yet, an International Save the Children Alliance (ISCA) report suggests there is little evidence of CRC provisions bringing positive change to children’s lives. How far has convention been implemented in the 26 member nations of the ISCA?

A key finding over the past ten years is that no country has yet fulfilled all the rights of the child set out in the CRC. Evidence suggests that all countries, - rich and poor, north and south - have a long way to go.

Further findings suggest that:

• The CRC has increased levels of governmental accountability, brought about some legislative and institutional reform in signatory countries, establishing a precedent for international co-operation.
• Children’s rights are now more visible: with the integration of the convention into the work of the UN and other agencies, children are better protected in war zones; young offenders are better treated; and in service provision, there is a new focus on children who are excluded or discriminated against.
• Most national governments have failed to develop an explicit strategy for implementing the provisions of the CRC.
• Failure to disseminate adequate information about the CRC has resulted in a lack of public awareness.
• Specific, accurate data on children’s welfare are rarely available, despite the creation of designated child institutions and special children’s codes and provisions in some countries.
• Reporting to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is a lengthy process, making the committee unable to process reports efficiently or enforce compliance.

The challenge facing global coalitions supporting child welfare is to push governments to move beyond the ratification of the convention to the full implementation of all of its provisions.

Recommendations for action include:

• Developing an effective and systematic monitoring mechanism for the CRC
• Establishing measurable indicators such as those used in the Human Development Index.
• Strengthening the work of NGOs and CSOs in disseminating information on the CRC, as well as liasing with governments, the private sector, international donors and financial institutions and other organisations to ensure that the CRC has a place on political agendas.
• Mobilising different sectors of the international community to develop dynamic and flexible programmes to work in close co-operation to advance children’s rights.

Source(s):
‘Childrens’ rights: Reality or Rhetoric?’ edited by Sarah Muscroft, International Save the Children Alliance, 2000

Funded by: International Save the Children Alliance

id21 Research Highlight: 25 April 2001

Further Information:
Sian Bowen
International Save the Children Alliance
275-281 King Street
London W6 9LZ
UK

Tel: + 44 (0)20 8748 2554
Fax: + 44 (0)20 8237 8000
Contact the contributor: info@save-children-alliance.org

Contact the contributor: sian@save-children-alliance.org

International Save the Children Alliance

Other related links:
Child Rights Information Network works towards improving the lives of children

UNICEF focuses on the protection of children's rights

Refer to the UNICEF report 'The State of the World’s Children'

IYF is dedicated to the positive development of children and youth throughout the world

Childwatch International provides research on children's living conditions and the implementation on children's rights

ILO focuses on child labour issues