Friday November 19, 2010 is the twenty-first anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Now while it may sound very complicated, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is quite simple. The CRC is a legally binding international instrument that granted children human rights. See? That seems like something rather obvious now doesn’t it?
The Convention spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere should have, such as the right to survival, to develop to their fullest potential, to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and the right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. The four core principles of the Convention are non-discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the views of the child. The Convention protects children’s rights by setting standards in health care; education; and legal, civil and social services.
To mark the twenty first anniversary of the Convention thousands will take a vow of silence around the world for 24 hours in solidarity with children who continue to be silenced by poverty and exploitation. While it may not be feasible for us all to actually not speak for 24 hours, showing your solidarity is still possible through e-silence! So put away your cell phone for a day, sign off of facebook, or twitter and replace your avatar with a IAMSILENT image (which you can find here) to show your support. For more information check out www.iamsilent.com
Do Good, Feel Good, Live Good,
-Team thinkGood.
Tags: awareness day, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Free the Children, i am silent, iamsilent, November 19, United Nations