What is the UN Convention on the rights of the child?
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations in 1989 to protect the rights of children worldwide. It sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children. The goal of the convention is to ensure that children grow up in an environment where they are safe, healthy, educated, and treated with dignity and respect.
Here are some of the key principles:
Non-Discrimination: All children, regardless of their background, should be treated equally and fairly. No child should face discrimination based on their race, gender, disability, or social status. · Best Interests of the Child: Decisions made about children, whether in school or at home, should always prioritize their well-being, happiness, and overall development. · Right to Life, Survival, and Development: Children have the right to live and grow in a safe environment, with access to healthcare, education, and opportunities to thrive. · Participation Rights: Children have the right to express their views, be heard, and have a say in matters that affect them, such as in school decisions, home life, or community matters, in a way that is appropriate for their age and maturity. · Right to Education: Children are entitled to free, quality education that fosters their abilities, creativity, and mental and physical development. · Protection from Harm: Children must be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Schools and parents have a role in ensuring children are safe from harmful situations. · Right to Family Life: Children have the right to live with their parents, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and to be cared for and supported in a loving and stable environment.
At Beecholme Primary school, we are currently a Bronze Rights Aware school.
This means we have introduced the RRSA Three Strands into our school community, our school’s senior leadership team (SLT) understands what is involved in the Award and is committed to embarking on the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting journey. The right foundations are in place for our school’s journey to the second stage of the Award, Silver: Rights Aware.
Rights Respecting Language
Rights are for all children and young people throughout the world (universal), are there at birth (inherent), cannot be taken away (inalienable), do not come with any conditions attached to them (unconditional) and are all equally important (indivisible). Whilst there is not an expectation that children and young people necessarily know the actual words that define these features of rights, it is important that they understand the meaning of them (within the context of their age and ability). Children learn about the definitions of the words at school. Duty bearers are all the adults who help children access their rights and children are the right holders.
MEET SOME OF OUR RIGHTS RESPECTING STEERING GROUP...
The Rights Respecting Steering Group were nominated and chosen torepresent their class and school by their peers. They attend regularmeetings with their duty bearers to share the views of the children intheir class. The steering group work together to lead on campaigningfor change and to make a difference with the support of the children,staff, parents and the local community. They campaign to improve thelives of the children in school, locally and globally.