In our world of increased globalisation and interconnectedness, countries can be host to many different ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 30 safeguards the rights of children belonging to minority or indigenous groups to share their culture, language, and religion freely with other members of their community.
Even in progressive and diverse nations, children and young people from minority groups can feel ostracised or “other”. This guide explores how Article 30 addresses this and how you can help uphold this right with Save the Children Australia.
What UNCRC Article 30 means for kids
Article 30 promises every child the freedom to enjoy their culture, practise their religion, and speak their language with other members of their minority. This is important in maintaining and developing cultural identity and heritage and helping children from different backgrounds to feel included.
These rights are generally protected elsewhere in the UNCRC for young people as a whole but are particularly important in indigenous and minority groups that can in particular feel disconnected from their culture. Our differences should be understood and celebrated, Article 30 helps protect minority and indigenous cultures by ensuring that children from these backgrounds are not only allowed but encouraged to participate in their cultural traditions and discourse.
What rights does Article 30 give for language use?
The language aspect of Article 30 is multi-faceted. Linguistic minorities include any people who use a language that isn’t most commonly used in the country in question, in Australia, for example, this would include according to the 2021 Census 28% of households where English is not the only language used in homes.
These households’ right to use non-English languages is incredibly important for preserving cultural identity (such as those where indigenous languages are spoken,) or where English is not practical to use like in families where not everyone has the same proficiency in English or in deaf communities where Auslan is signed. Without the freedom to use these languages both privately and publicly, children lose out on their rich histories and in some instances ability to communicate effectively.
How can schools respect religious rights under Article 30?
Schools can respect religious rights by creating an inclusive environment that acknowledges and accommodates different religious practices. This approach can include allowing time for religious observance, respecting religious holidays, and including education about various religions to foster understanding and respect among students.
It’s important to note that Article 30 is not a blanket rule that overrides other human rights, especially those of children and young people. Regardless of cultural or religious precedence, children have the right to be protected from practices that are likely to cause them harm.
Who ensures compliance with Article 30?
National governments are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with Article 30. However, international bodies like the United Nations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Save the Children Australia, and communities or individuals can all play a role in monitoring, advocating, and providing support to enforce these rights.
By recognising and protecting the rights of children from minority and indigenous groups, Article 30 promotes equal respect for their cultural, linguistic, and religious identities. Through respectfully advocating for and with minority groups and working to educate people in your life on celebrating differences you can help in building an inclusive society that values diversity.
Save the Children and Article 30
One great way to uphold Article 30 is through supporting Save the Children Australia. We advocate for policies that uphold these rights, provide resources and support to communities and schools, and work directly with children to ensure they have opportunities to explore and express their cultural identities in programs like 'It Takes a Village'.
The 'It Takes a Village' program provides supportive environments for children and women from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Australia to come together. Through playgroups and educational support, this program helps these children integrate confidently into Australian society while respecting and maintaining their cultural identities and socialising with other families from similar backgrounds.
Similarly, our RISE Program in Papua New Guinea is improving foundational learning in elementary schools partly by training and empowering teachers to develop both English and local language schools and through developing storybooks in 30 different languages. PNG is the most linguistically diverse nation in the world and storytelling is one of the most natural ways for children to learn. These books will be used in local classrooms to improve foundational literacy and build a culture of reading for girls and boys, as well as their communities.
Celebrate diversity and make a difference
Young people from minority and indigenous groups have the right to share their language, religion, and culture with others from their group. Help us to contribute to a world where every child’s rights are recognised and respected by donating today.
Support programs like It Takes a Village and Rise through donating, volunteering, or discovering other ways to help make a real difference in the lives of these children.