All children have equal rights to care and protection, and to live a healthy life free from abuse and harm. DAAK defends and promotes these rights for all children on a regional and national level. We work with partners to improve laws, policies and practices so that each child and young person and their families receive the care and support they need. By advocating upholds their rights all children can become their strongest selves.
What are children’s rights?
Children’s rights are laid out in international, regional and national frameworks that establish the fundamental rights each child has. We take action to amplify their voices and bring them to the forefront of policy and decision-making, working with states and partners to help ensure that children who have lost parental care or risk losing it are protected, cared for and empowered and that their rights are respected.
We are committed to ensuring the rights of all children. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and International frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals the foundation of our programme and advocacy work.
Universal Children’s rights
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989, guarantees universal fundamental rights for all children in the world. It has been signed by 196 countries and is a global framework for children’s right.
WHAT IS THE UNCRC?
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the basis for all DAAK’s work. It made international human rights history when it came into force in 1989, having been ratified by a record 193 countries.
WHY IS THE UNCRC SO IMPORTANT?
All countries ratified by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are now subject to review and their progress in ensuring that children’s rights are being met is monitored.
The acceptance of the UNCRC by so many nations was an enormous step forward for children’s rights and welfare worldwide. However, there is still a big job to do to ensure that all children can grow with dignity, security and respect. Some of the same countries that signed the UNCRS still allow corporal or even capital punishment of children. Elsewhere, children continue to be abused, neglected or forcibly detained.
WHAT DOES THE IS THE UNCRC SAY?
The UNCRC establishes fundamental rights for everyone under 18 years of age – for all children. It puts the best interest of the child at its center and include children’s rights to:
• Living with a person that care for them
• Live in a safe and clean environment
• Have nutrition and healthcare
• Be educated
• Play and rest
• Choose their own friends
• Give their opinion and be listen to
Standing up for children’s right
We stand up for children’s rights through a range of actions geared at ensuring that all children see their rights fulfilled so they can live in dignity and thrive.
• We advocate for the implementation of children’s right
• We inform and raise awareness about children’s right and the challenges vulnerable children are facing.
• We collaborate with other leading organizations and stakeholders to promote children’s rights to achieve the greatest possible impact for children
• We share knowledge and shape discussion about improvement and innovation of alternative care.