What does UNCRC Article 39 aim to provide?
Every child deserves a strong start in life, with the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment. Unfortunately, hardships such as armed conflict, trafficking, and abuse are just some of the occurrences that can harm a childhood. When this harm occurs, children and young people must have the support and opportunity to recover. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 39 plays a pivotal role in this vision, ensuring that children affected by war, conflict, or any form of hardship receive the necessary support to heal and rebuild their lives.
UNCRC Article 39 stands as a testament to the global commitment to children's well-being, emphasising the right to recovery and reintegration for those who have experienced neglect, exploitation, or abuse.
This provision is not just about physical recovery; it's about nurturing their emotional and psychological well-being, ensuring a future where they can reclaim their childhood and prospects.
How does Article 39 support war-affected children?
Children caught in the crossfire of conflict endure experiences that no child should. Article 39 acknowledges their plight, ensuring that these young survivors receive specialised care to overcome trauma, reintegrate into society, and rediscover the joy of childhood.
These children have faced unimaginable horrors, and it's our collective responsibility to provide them with a pathway to peace and normalcy.
What types of care are covered under Article 39?
From psychological support to physical rehabilitation, Article 39 encompasses a spectrum of care tailored to address the multifaceted needs of affected children. Article 39 goes beyond health, helping to ensure the safety, education, and the chance to be part of a loving and nurturing community for survivors of hardships including:
- violence
- sexual violence
- neglect
- exploitation of any kind
- abuse
- torture
- armed conflict
- trafficking
Who ensures the recovery services in Article 39?
The responsibility is shared among governments, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), and civil society. At Save the Children Australia, we collaborate closely with local and international partners to ensure that the mandates of Article 39 are met with actions on the ground, providing real hope and tangible support to children in need.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Save the Children has been instrumental in rescuing children from armed groups, providing them with a pathway back to family life and community acceptance. Our programs focus on vocational training and education, offering former child soldiers a new beginning and a chance to dream of a brighter future.
Empowering through generosity: how you can help
How can donors help with Article 39's goals? Your support can light up the darkest corners of a child's life. Donations fuel initiatives that help heal and reintegrate children affected by adversity, enabling us to reach more children, offer more comprehensive care, and advocate more fiercely for their rights. Every contribution brings us a step closer to a world where every child can enjoy a childhood untouched by conflict and hardship.
Your donations make our initiatives, like those in Laos and Cambodia, possible. By educating communities about child rights, influencing policy, and providing direct support, we're building a framework that upholds the principles of Article 39, ensuring children everywhere have the support they need to recover and thrive.
Join us in making a difference
The journey of recovery and reintegration for children affected by conflict is a long and challenging but necessary one. Your support can transform lives, helping us continue our vital work in line with UNCRC Article 39, and ensuring every child can recover and look forward to a future filled with possibilities.
Take action today and join Save the Children Australia to be a part of a child’s recovery. Donate now to support our mission to end violence in all forms against children and make a real difference.