The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 24 is a pivotal piece of international legislation, focusing on the health rights of children worldwide. It encompasses a broad range of provisions that advocate for the highest attainable standard of health for all children, including access to high-quality healthcare and access to nourishing food and clean water.
Save the Children Australia, a leading advocate for children's rights, has been tirelessly working to implement the principles of UNCRC Article 24 for vulnerable children across the world. This guide on Article 24 explores the basic principles of the article and how you can help us help kids everywhere lead healthy lives.
What does UNCRC article 24 entail?
Article 24 asserts that every child has the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health, including preventive measures and care for mothers before and after childbirth.
The Article places a particular emphasis on reducing infant mortality rates, ensuring necessary medical assistance is provided, combating disease, and providing nutritious food and clean drinking water for all children.
The critical role of nutrition and water in children’s lives
Article 24’s emphasis on nutrition and clean drinking water comes down to health. A diet rich in essential nutrients is essential in combating disease and malnutrition. The article also highlights the need for clean drinking water and proper sanitation, water is necessary generally for life and contaminated water sources or poor sanitation can result in a host of diseases. Save the Children Australia addresses this through initiatives such as providing emergency nutrition for malnourished children and repairing water supplies in regions like Yemen, where we’re delivering safe drinking water to millions of children and their families.
The environment and children’s health
An often overlooked aspect of health for children, Article 24 also acknowledges the importance of a safe and clean environment. This applies to environmental factors such as climate change, pollution, rising tides, or anything else that may negatively impact the health of young people. Our responses to environmental challenges, including the climate crisis in Australia and the Pacific, are focused on protecting children from environmental dangers.
Governments and NGOs: partners for children’s health
Governments have a responsibility under Article 24 to ensure that young people have the best opportunity for a healthy life as possible. Governments can do this through policies and legislation providing access to high-quality healthcare, clean water, and ensuring no children go hungry. Unfortunately, due to resource constraints, disasters, lack of proper infrastructure, and a variety of other challenges, implementing Article 24 is not always possible for governments alone.
While governments are tasked with the implementation of Article 24, NGOs like Save the Children play an essential role in supporting these efforts. From responding to emergencies to providing education and mental health support, our efforts complement the work of governments in realising these rights.
How you can help support children’s rights
Your participation is vital in supporting Article 24. Learn more about our emergency response initiatives and help those most vulnerable today. Donations, advocacy, and volunteering are just some of the ways you can join our mission to ensure every child's right to health.