What is the aim of UNCRC Article 33?
Every child deserves a life free from the harmful impact of drugs - a world where they grow up in a safe, supportive environment. This is the vision underscored by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 33, a vital framework that guides our collective efforts in shielding our young ones from drug-related harm.
Save the Children Australia, with its longstanding commitment to child welfare, stands at the forefront of this cause, championing the rights and protection of children in Australia and abroad.
The essence and aim of UNCRC Article 33
What is the aim of UNCRC Article 33? Simply put, it is to protect children from the scourge of harmful drugs. Article 33 is a global commitment to safeguard children from the use of harmful drugs and involvement in drug trafficking.
As well as protecting children from the life-altering impact of narcotics and other mind-altering substances during this crucial developmental phase, the Article aims to insulate children from the myriad dangers associated with drug abuse from others around them, ensuring they enjoy a childhood that nurtures their development into healthy, responsible adults.
The role of governments in upholding Article 33
Governments play a pivotal role in implementing Article 33. The article mandates state parties to take all appropriate measures, including legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Beyond creating and enforcing laws to prevent the access to and reckless use of harmful substances by children and adults in their lives, governments also have the responsibility to help educate young people on the dangers of different drugs and provide outlets and opportunities for rehabilitation.
What constitutes 'Harmful Drugs'?
The term 'harmful drugs' in the context of Article 33 encompasses a wide range of substances, including those that are illegal and others that, while legal, can be harmful to children if misused. This broad definition allows for a more inclusive approach to combating the drug menace, addressing both the supply and demand sides of the issue by also stipulating that children not be involved in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances.
The Article’s aim is not to demonise or stigmatise the reasonable use of medicine but rather to ensure that governments and individuals do everything in their power to protect children and young people from the illicit use of narcotics and other psychotropic substances as defined in relevant international treaties such as the three UN drug control conventions.
How does Article 33 address drug education?
Some may question education on harmful substances as, at first glance, it would seemingly raise awareness in young people of these substances. In reality, in Australia as with every country young people are faced with social pressures and exposure to both licit and illicit drug use and not educating them on the pitfalls of irresponsible drug use is detrimental to their ability to make informed, responsible decisions.
By equipping children with knowledge about the risks associated with drug use, and providing them with the skills to make healthy choices, we empower and encourage them to stay safe. It’s also important that parental figures be involved in the education process, both as an opportunity for them to share their insight into problems affecting their children and to raise awareness amongst adults of the real risk of substance abuse in young people.
The impact and relevance of Article 33 in Australia
In Australia, the relevance of UNCRC Article 33 cannot be overstated. With issues like substance abuse impacting young people’s lives, particularly in marginalised communities, Article 33 serves as a guiding light for policies and programs aimed at protecting children from these hazards.
Our Family Support and Connect service in NSW is an example of Article 33 in practice. We connect families facing challenges such as substance abuse with local support services, helping them to create a safer, more nurturing environment for their children.
Save the Children's role in realising Article 33
Save the Children Australia's initiatives serve to protect and promote the healthy development of children everywhere and, as such, resonate deeply with the principles of UNCRC Article 33. In Western Australia, our programs support young people, especially those from Aboriginal communities, and migrant and refugee backgrounds in Kununurra and Perth to overcome challenges related to drug and alcohol misuse, stay in school, and overcome other challenges in their lives.
Through activities like our Night Patrol and youth programs in Kununurra, and our Reconnect program in Perth, we've reached more than 1100 young people since 2009, reducing homelessness, offending rates, and drug misuse as well as increasing impacted young people’s cultural connection and engagement in their community, education, training, and employment.
How can donors support Article 33's goals?
By supporting Save the Children Australia, donors contribute to the development and implementation of programs that directly impact the lives of children at risk of drug-related harm. Your donations can make a significant difference in areas such as education, prevention programs, and providing safe spaces for vulnerable children.
Help us protect young people from harmful drugs
Together, we can build a future where every child is safe, educated, and free from the dangers of drugs. Join Save the Children in this crucial mission – your support can transform lives and create lasting change. Donate today, help raise awareness, or consider volunteering to help us promote the healthy and safe development of children everywhere.