At the core of every child's development is the freedom to belong, to share, and to grow with others, every child has the inherent right to freely associate and form groups. This right is pivotal for their social and emotional development, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement, which is why it’s protected under The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 15.
Save the Children’s founder Eglantyne Jebb helped create the UNCRC over a century ago. Since then, Save the Children Australia has worked tirelessly to protect and uphold the rights laid out in the convention, raising awareness, lobbying, and using initiatives like "It Takes a Village" and the "Family Learning Club" to ensure every child can find a group of their choosing. Let’s dive into why this is so important and how you can help.
Why is the right to set up or join groups essential for children?
It’s easy to take groups and communities for granted in a country like Australia, most children here are encouraged to join sports teams or get involved in the arts through playing an instrument. Unfortunately, in much of the world these freedoms still aren’t afforded to children, UNCRC Article 15 advocates for their freedom to join groups, be it in sports, arts, or community clubs, allowing them to express themselves, learn collaboration, and develop empathy. These experiences are vital in shaping well-rounded, confident individuals ready to contribute positively to society.
How does Article 15 promote children's social and emotional development?
Through interactions within groups, children learn essential life skills - communication, teamwork, and resilience. When freely chosen, groups also allow children to express themselves around like-minded kids and pursue their own interests in safe, supportive environments.
Restrictions and the role of government in Article 15
While UNCRC Article 15 champions the freedom of children to associate and form groups, it acknowledges that this freedom comes with certain boundaries. These restrictions, essential for the safety and well-being of children, ensure that their right to associate does not infringe upon the rights of others or pose a threat to public order, health, or morals.
For instance, while children should be free to join groups or clubs, these groups must operate within the framework of law and respect the rights of others, violent gangs are an example of a group that is not in the spirit of Article 15. Similarly, joining groups should not be to the detriment of the children or other group members, cults and exploitative individuals are not protected by Article 15.
Governments are tasked with creating policies and regulations that provide a safe and supportive environment for children to exercise their right to association. This includes setting up systems to monitor and regulate groups and activities to prevent exploitation or harm to children.
How Save the Children helps
As well as working with governments on their end of the bargain, Save the Children Australia’s initiatives like "Play to be School Ready" and “It Takes a Village” provide children with a structured and safe group to play in.
Our It Takes a Village program provides migrant and refugee children in Australia with playgroups and support systems, crucial for their integration and mental well-being. It offers a culturally sensitive platform for these children to connect, learn, and grow, embodying the essence of Article 15.
Similarly, Play to be School Ready provides a framework and encouragement for parents and young children to engage in early education in the Solomon Islands, where over half of all children don’t engage in early learning and over a third consequently don’t finish their full education.
Encourage positive group involvement with Save the Children Australia
The successful implementation of UNCRC Article 15 requires a collaborative effort between governments, communities, organisations, and individuals. Do your part by encouraging children in your life to form positive groups and by supporting Save the Children through donations or volunteering.