Fundamental rights of children
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The United Nations (UN) proclaimed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The document contains 42 articles and underlines the needs, interests and rights of children around the world. For example, the right to education or the right to protection from violence. This declaration was a reaction to the injustices that children experience all over the world.
A total of 194 countries have signed the Convention as promoters of children's rights. It is important for these countries to have laws that guarantee the protection and promotion of children's rights. These laws help to minimize risks and vulnerability for children.
The rights of children summarized:
- A child can be
- Growing up in freedom
- Have a name and a nationality
- Health and education
- Get special care
- Protection and safety
- No discrimination
One of the fundamental principles of the Declaration is the protection of children's rights worldwide. Children should be protected from physical, mental or social vulnerability regardless of nationality, color or origin.
Questions and answers
What is the meaning of children's rights?
Children's rights are human rights, they are supposed to protect the child. They are based on the essential human rights and give basic guarantees. For the first time, these were comprehensively taken into account on 20 November 1989 with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Should we discuss the Convention on the Rights of the Child within the family?
A at a certain age, it may well be useful to address this issue. Children discover their environment and ask questions. This can be helped by the brochure "Die Rechte der Kinder - einfach erklärt" ("The rights of children - simply explained") published by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, which provides a good insight into the provisions of children's rights. You will find the link on this page.
How should I react when children's rights are violated?
Immediately report serious violations of children's rights to the police or the competent authority, for example the Youth Welfare Office.
What is the International Convention on the Rights of the Child?
It is a Convention on the Rights of the Child and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is one of the international human rights treaties.
Checklist
Document
Brochure: Children's rights - Simple explanation
Everything about children's rights explained in detail.
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth - www.bmfsfj.de
Helpful Links
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Information page about children
Information on various topics such as parental benefit, child benefit, pregnancy, rights & duties of children and more for parents and children.
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Children's Info Page
Children's rights declared for children.
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Website of Save the Children Germany e.V.
Save the Children is the largest independent child rights organisation in the world.
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Website of UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights and help them realize their potential from early childhood to adolescence.
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Website of the Global Child Forum
The Global Child Forum brings together thought leaders and influencers from business, civil society, academia and government to drive social change in children's rights.
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Children's ministry
Website for children about children's rights with interesting stories, films and audio stories.
Addresses
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
Glinkastraße 24
10117 Berlin
Jugendamt Abt. Kinder-, Jugend- und Familienförderung
Dr.-Külz-Ring 19
01067 Dresden
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Deutscher Kinderschutzbund Ortsverband Dresden e. V.
Pfotenhauerstr. 45
01307 Dresden
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Deutsches Kinderhilfswerkes e. V.
Leipziger Straße 116 - 118
10117 Berlin