Variety

Know your rights:

What is the CRC?

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is what is known as the CRC. It is an internationally accepted document which has been signed by the governments of almost every country in the world including Sri Lanka. Even though it is the governments that have signed the CRC it is important that you know what it contains because it concerns you - the children of the world.

The CRC sets out the RIGHTS of ALL CHILDREN

The Convention has 54 articles in all. While a majority of it states a child's rights survival to development, protection and participation, the rest deals with how the State of each country should report progress in implementing the Convention, every five years and the procedure States should follow to commit themselves to the Convention.

Have you ever read in full these rights? Perhaps not, but if you do get a hold of a copy of the CRC do read it carefully and understand your rights. Here are a few of the important rights you should know about in simplified terms.

* Survival and

development

Everyone should recognise that children have a right to life. The State should ensure the survival and development of children.

* Name and nationality

Every child has the right to have a name from birth and be given a nationality. She/he has the right to know and be cared for by his/her parents.

* Separation from parents

Children should not be separated from their parents unless it is in the best interest of the child (due to neglect and abuse.) If parents decide to live apart, the child has the right to be in contact with both parents, if separated from one or the other, or both.

* The child's opinion

Every child has the right to express an opinion, and to have that opinion taken into consideration in any matter or procedure affecting the child.

* Freedom of expression

The child has the right to information and give information to others and to express her/his view, unless this would violate the rights of others.

* Protection from abuse and neglect

Children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse and neglect. Parents and other caregivers have no right to hurt children. The State should undertake programmes to prevent and help children recover from abuse and neglect.

* Education

All children have a right to education. The State should make sure that at least primary education is compulsory and is free.

Children of minorities

Children of minorities have a right to enjoy their own culture and practise their own religion and language.

Child labour

Children have a right to be protected from work that may be harmful to their health, education or development.

The State should set minimum ages for employment and regulate working conditions.

* Definition of a child: Every person under the age of 18.