The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a legally-binding international agreement that outlines the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, irrespective of their race, religion or abilities. The UN CRC was originally penned by Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of Save the Children, in 1923. It comprises 54 articles that set out children’s rights and how governments should work together to make them available to all children. Below is more info on the UNCRC articles and the connection with 54 Reasons, our new initiative under which we deliver our child-related services in Australia.
Save the Children has been advocating for children’s rights for over a century. We believe that every child deserves a bright future, and our vision is a world where every child lives, learns, and is safe from harm. We run evidence-based programs worldwide that focus on putting children first and provide emergency aid to children and families affected by crises. Here is more about the UNCRC articles and 54 Reasons:
The fundamental rights of children
Under the terms of the UN CRC, governments are required to acknowledge that every child has basic fundamental rights, that they meet children’s basic needs and help them reach their full potential. These basic fundamental rights of every child, as outlined in the UN CRC include:
- The right to life, survival and development
- The right to protection from violence, abuse or neglect
- The right to an education that enables children to fulfil their potential
- The right to be raised by, or have a relationship with, their parents
- The right to express their opinions and be listened to
These rights are the bedrock of the 54 articles of the UNCRC and form the basis of our initiative, 54 Reasons, in Australia.
The UNCRC articles and 54 Reasons
Save the Children recently launched 54 Reasons, our platform for championing children’s rights and development in Australia. The name 54 Reasons comes from the 54 UNCRC articles which set out children’s rights (based on the fundamental rights of children listed above) and how governments should work together to make them available to all children. The work we do here in Australia and around the world aligns with the UNCRC articles - their right to have healthy & happy childhoods, their voices heard, protection from harm and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The impact of global issues on children’s rights
However, it's important to acknowledge that various global issues can infringe on these rights. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted children's education and social interactions in Australia. It has disrupted education, caused social isolation, and negatively affected mental health and well-being. Furthermore, it has driven families into poverty, with lifelong effects on children.
Food scarcity is another global issue that directly impacts a child's right to life and survival. In many parts of the world, children are suffering from malnutrition due to a lack of access to sufficient, nutritious food.
Support our mission
To support us in our mission to ensure the fundamental rights of children are being recognised you can make a single donation today or become a monthly giver. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. For more information on the issues affecting children's rights and how you can help, visit our website. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children in Australia and around the world.