What is UNCRC Article 36's main objective?
At the heart of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a commitment to protect children from harm such as exploitation, an objective specifically addressed in Article 36.
As a champion and advocate for children's rights, Save the Children Australia aims to shield young lives from any activity that could harm their development or jeopardise their dignity. But what exactly is UNCRC Article 36's main objective? In essence, it's a commitment to protect children from being exploited in any form.
How does Article 36 define child exploitation?
Child exploitation, as outlined in Article 36, refers to any situation where a child is abused and/or used for someone else's gain to the harm of the child, whether economically, sexually, or through other means. This includes but isn't limited to, exploitation through labour, sexual exploitation, trafficking, and involvement in criminal activities. It's a broad definition, capturing the multifaceted nature of exploitation in today's world and is intended to include any exploitation not mentioned elsewhere in the UNCRC.
The digital age has brought new challenges, notably online exploitation. Article 36, while not explicitly mentioning the digital realm, has been interpreted to include the protection of children from online dangers such as grooming and cyberbullying.
Who ensures protection under Article 36?
Ensuring the protection afforded by Article 36 falls on governments, communities, institutions such as educators, and organisations like Save the Children Australia. It is a collective responsibility, demanding coordinated efforts from various sectors of society.
As Article 36 covers any form of exploitation not explicitly mentioned in other Articles of the UNCRC, it mandates that the above stakeholders protect children from harm through things like being used in crimes, politicised, or being used in the media in a way they don’t enjoy or that doesn’t benefit them to name a few. It’s the role of governments to have legislation and safeguards in place to protect children from exploitation like this, as well as educational institutions to recognise and report instances of child exploitation.
How NGOs help enforce Article 36
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) help in enforcing Article 36. They work on the ground, providing direct support to children, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness about the dangers of child exploitation.
Save the Children Australia is an example of NGOs being deeply involved in advocating for and implementing the principles of Article 36. Our initiatives, such as the Families First program in Indonesia, strive to keep children out of institutions where they are at higher risk of exploitation by helping keep families together.
How can donors aid in upholding Article 36?
Donors play a crucial role in upholding Article 36. Financial contributions enable organisations like Save the Children Australia to continue their work in protecting children from exploitation. Through donations initiatives like Strengthening Child Protection Systems are made possible. This program tackles various forms of harm against children in Cambodia, including exploitation, by building supportive community environments and bringing about long-term policy changes.
Closer to home, Family Connect and Support helps vulnerable children, young people and families in NSW connect with local support services for challenges that may lead to or involve various types of exploitation including issues relating to:
- Parenting challenges
- Financial stress
- Substance abuse
- Family breakdown
- Housing issues
- Mental health
- Domestic and family violence
Help Save the Children protect the right to a safe childhood
As we continue to fight against child exploitation, we call on you to join us. Your support, whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteering, is crucial. Together, we can ensure that the rights and protections outlined in UNCRC Article 36 are realities for every child.
Join Save the Children Australia in this vital mission and donate today to support programs like Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Cambodia and Family Connect and Support in NSW.