Conventions on rights of child

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

A human rights treaty that sets out civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights specifically for children.

Adopted Date of CRC

Presented for signature to the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989.

Definition of a Child

A child is defined as any human being under the age of 18, unless a country’s own laws set a different age of majority.

Countries that Ratified the CRC

196 countries have ratified the CRC, including every member of the United Nations except the United States.

Somalia and South Sudan Ratification

Both ratified the convention in 2015, leaving the U.S. as the only signatory country not to ratify it.

U.S. Role in CRC

The United States was instrumental in drafting the CRC but has not ratified it.

Reasons for U.S. Opposition to Ratification

Includes prohibition of death penalty and life imprisonment for children, political and religious influences, and concerns over foreign power interfering in domestic matters.

Obama's View on U.S. Non-Ratification

Called it 'embarrassing' that the U.S. has not ratified the CRC.

Concerns over U.N. Influence

Some argue that ratifying the CRC would give the United Nations power over U.S. children and parental rights.

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

Monitors compliance by countries that have ratified the CRC.

Government Reporting Requirements

Governments are required to report periodically to the Committee and appear before it to be examined on their progress in advancing child rights.

First Optional Protocol to the CRC

Restricts the involvement of children in military conflicts.

Second Optional Protocol to the CRC

Prohibits the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography.

Third Optional Protocol to the CRC

Allows children or their representatives to file complaints if their rights under the CRC have been violated.

Effective Date of Third Optional Protocol

Came into effect on April 14, 2014.

Canada’s Role in CRC

Used its commitments under the CRC to help in changes made to the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Total Number of CRC Ratifications

196 countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

U.S. as a Signatory of CRC

The United States has signed but not ratified the CRC.

Child Rights Monitoring

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child monitors compliance of ratifying countries.

Child Definition in CRC Terms

A child is defined as under the age of 18 unless otherwise specified by national laws.

Majority Age Variance

Countries may have laws setting a different age of majority affecting the definition of a child.

Somalia and South Sudan's Ratification Year

Both countries ratified the Convention in the same year, 2015.

U.S. Reasons Against CRC Ratification

Opposition includes arguments about children’s rights and national sovereignty.

Critics' Arguments on U.S. Ratification

Some believe political and religious influences hinder U.S. ratification of the CRC.

Parental Rights Concerns in U.S.

Concerns exist that CRC may infringe on parental rights in the U.S.

Periodical Reporting by Countries

Countries that ratified CRC must report to the UN Committee periodically.

Youth Criminal Justice Act

An act in Canada amended based on commitments under the CRC.

Child Complaint Mechanism

The third Optional Protocol provides a mechanism for children to file complaints.

Military Conflicts and Children

The first Optional Protocol addresses involvement of minors in military actions.

Prohibition of Child Exploitation

The second Optional Protocol aims to combat child exploitation such as slavery and pornography.

Date of CRC Presentation to UN

The CRC was presented for signature on November 20, 1989.

Ratification by U.S. Status

Status of ratification by the U.S. remains unratified despite initial involvement.

CRC’s Ratification Impact

Ratification of the CRC influences child rights legislation in various countries.

U.S. Political Dynamics

Political dynamics affect U.S. decision-making on international treaties like the CRC.

Criticism of U.N. Oversight

Critics fear that U.N. oversight could challenge U.S. laws and rights.

Global Ratification Numbers for CRC

Over 196 countries have ratified the CRC making it one of the most popular treaties.

Date of Third Optional Protocol Signature Opening

The third Optional Protocol opened for signature on February 28, 2012.

CRC Implementation Monitoring

U.N. Committee assesses how countries implement CRC rights.

Children’s Rights Advancements

Countries are examined on their achievements in furthering children's rights under CRC.