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Needs and Rights of Children

3.2 RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

3.2.1 What are Children’s Rights? Notes

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC), ‘children’s rights’ are the human rights of children primarily
pertaining to the rights of protection and care to the minor. They are the
minimum entitlements and freedom that should be accorded to all persons below
the age of 18 regardless of race, colour, gender, language, religion, opinions,
wealth, birth status or ability and therefore apply to all people everywhere.

3.2.2 Inter-relationship of Children’s Needs and Children’s Rights
All children have common needs irrespective of their socio-economic and
cultural background. They need a protective home environment, good family
life, adequate food, health care and respect. Children’s needs should be fulfilled
for their holistic development.

Needs and 'rights' are
mutually interdependent. Not all children are lucky to live a normal life. There are
‘Right’ is a recognition many children who live under difficult circumstances or
of children’s entitlement in emergency situations. A big population of Indian
children live in situations where their basic needs of food,
to have their ‘needs’ shelter, education, medical care and protection etc. are not
fulfilled. This, in turn, met. Due to this, they are at greater risk of suffering from
places specific malnutrition, illiteracy and ill health etc. Also, at times,
obligations on adults at children face emergency situations in their lives due to
all levels of society to factors such as natural calamities (floods, earthquakes,
take the necessary action fire etc.), accidents, loss of parents. Such children face
to ensure that those a lot of hardships in their lives. Due to such circumstances
rights are implemented and crises in their lives, these children suffer a lot of
for every child. hardships and somewhere their childhood is lost.

3.2.3 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

On 20 November 1989, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted
the Convention on the Rights of the Child or United Nations Convention on
the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This is the most widely ratified human rights
treaty in the world. This Convention formulated the standards for physical,
moral, mental, spiritual, and social development of children. India adopted the
convention in December 1992. The Convention through its 54 Articles views
the child as an individual entitled to a number of economic, civil, social, political
and cultural rights wherever children are. It also describes how people and the
government work jointly to make sure children enjoy all their rights. The right

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 35