Dear Editor,
Care is a key element in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and educating everyone on children’s rights is a larger part of developing strong families and safe communities to provide adequate care to children. As we reflect on 30 Years of the UNCRC we want to recognize some of what was achieved and what we need to do to make progress in realizing the rights of children.
The UNCRC is a convention that was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20th November, 1989. Guyana ratified this global frame work in January 1991 to ensure that the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children are upheld regardless of their race, religion or abilities. Nations that ratify this convention are bound by its international laws that were developed to acknowledge children as a “person” with rights and to ensure that those rights are upheld. Governments of countries that have ratified the UNCRC are required to report to, and appear before, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child periodically to be examined on their progress with regards to the advancement of the implementation of the UNCRC and the status of child rights in their country.
However, all across the world and in our society children are vulnerable to violence and abuse, in part, because some adults (parents/carers/service providers) are not cognizant of the rights children are entitled to and their need for adequate care. In observance of the 30th anniversary of the UNCRC, we place emphasis on children’s rights to protection from abuse, quality education and recreation. We also want to emphasize that children with disabilities who are most marginalized are equally entitled to these rights.
Article 19 of the UNCRC recognizes the right of the child to protection from any and all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse while in the care of parents, legal guardian or any other person who has care of the child. While progress has being made in our society and more children are able to report and access protection services we also must recognize that abusers are finding more ways to target and violate children. Child neglect is the highest reported form of child abuse in Guyana. In 2018 alone, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) reported 4,917 cases of child abuse. Forty nine percent or 2,431 of the total cases were classified as child neglect. It is therefore evident that many adults are not providing adequate care to prevent all forms of abuse against their children.
Article 29 states that the education of a child should be directed to the development of the child’s personality, talent and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential. More children are enrolled in primary education however, not every child gets that opportunity particularly children with a disability. Further, whilst more children are enrolled, an increasing number of children are leaving school without adequate literacy and numeracy skills. The right to an education for all children is further supported by Article 23 which indicates that state parties shall recognize that a child living with a mental or physical disability should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in community and that they have effective access to education, training and health care services.
Article 31 highlights the rights of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and in the art. The right to play is often overlooked by adults in our society; parents and educators alike. In mostly private and some public schools there are no play spaces or play time. Some parents assume that this is ideal because their children need discipline and they will get this through spending school time only in classroom lessons. Some teachers/educators are more concerned with completing their curriculum and regular play is not usually included. It is essential that adults understand that play is necessary for the emotional wellbeing of a child. While it is recreational, it allows children to use their creativity to develop their imagination, agility, physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.
Today as we celebrate 30 years of the UN Convention, we urge all adults across our society to take a moment to reflect on these rights as you can easily enable these rights for your children’s growth and protection. Remember, we all have a duty to ensure that the rights of children are realized and that they grow up in safe and caring families, communities and societies.
Yours faithfully,
Shaquita Thomas
Communications Officer
ChildLinK Inc.
