human rights essay

what is the UN convention on the rights of the child (UNCRC)

a legally binding contract which outlines the comprehensive civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every human being under the age of 18

key thinkers

Martha Nussbaum, Kathleen Lynch

Article 14 of the UNCRC

defined as the right to freedom of though, conscience and to have and manifest religion or beliefs.

what does article 14 state

The article states that children, as rights holders, have the freedom to think for themselves, have their own opinions, express those opinions freely and to make choices based on their own values and principles.

where is article 14 not being upheld

the rights of women in Afghanistan

why isn't article 14 being uphold

The Talibans strict interpretation of Islamic law has had a huge impact on girls freedom of thought, conscious and the right to express religion. This has greatly impacted their access to education

UNESCO - article 14

according to UNESCO, in 2023 there were 2.5 million school aged Afghan girls and young women out of school.

The UN Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children

stated that "the deprivation of education is, in itself, a form of violence against girls".

Kathleen Lynch

The restriction of young girls education as a result of stripping young girls from the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion illustrates the kind of inequality and marginalisation discussed by Kathleen Lynch. Lynch claims that education makes our society therefore inequality in education perpetuates inequality in society and that education should be viewed as a fundamental right

Kathleen Lynch - equality of condition

Furthermore Lynch's equality of condition is described as the belief that people should be as equal as possible in relation to the central condition of their livers. Although article 14 is in place, the current state of Afghanistan shows how this right isn't being implemented

article 19

The Right to Protection from Physical or Mental Violence, Injury, Neglect or Abuse

what does article 19 focus on

focuses on the right to protection from physical or mental abuse and also highlightes the responsibility of duty bearers in the realisation of these rights such as governments, parents and society.

where is article 19 not being upheld

democratic republic of the congo

why isn't the DRC implementing article 19

With the DRC having long lasting conflicts between the government and rebel groups. It has had a devastating impact on the lives of many children.

UNICEF 2022

reported that seven out of 100 children die before reaching the age of five, 1 in 3 children are affected by child marriage and nearly 26 million children are currently in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

Martha Nussbaum

This shows failure in protecting children's bodily integrity, which is on of Martha Nussbaum's ten central capabilities. Nussbaums central capabilities is a list of ten key conditions that should be given to all citizens if rights are too be attained, bodily integrity is described as being able to move freely without suffering any form of assault, which is clearly not being upheld in the DCR

article 31

the right to rest, leisure, play and recreation

Why is article 31 included in the UNCRC

because of the fundamental place that play holds in relation to childhood: play is central to how a child participates in the world around them.

How is article 31 implemented in Wales

Wales became the first country in the world to legislate for children's play, by implementing the Play Sufficiency Duty.

Ministerial Review of Play in 2019

an increase by 59% in the number of designated play areas since the introduction of the legislation in 2011.

Martha Nussbaum - article 31

The welsh government has taken lead in the realisation of article 31 for children through ground breaking policy development, acting on legislation and the allocation of funds for play. This links directly to one of Martha Nussbaums central capabilities which is play. This emphasises the importance of the right to be able to engage in human joviality, laughter, play etc

Article 3 of the UNCRC

best interrests

how is this being implemented

The Children First act, implemented in Ireland in 2015.

what does act 3 state

states that parties should ensure that the institutions, services and facilities responsible for the care and protection of children should conform with the standards established by competent authorities

What does the Children's First Act do

places a number of statutory obligations on specific groups of professionals providing services such as raising awareness of child abuse, providing mandatory reporting and improving child safeguard arrangements in originations providing services for children

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs - The Children's First Act

According to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the act has huge success, with 2018 seeing a rise in mandated reports with TUSLA receiving almost 9,500 of children who may have been harmed or be at risked of harm and have been able to take steps to support the children that need that help