Convention of the Rights of Children (CRC) – Asia
Convention of the Rights of Children of United Nations is presently the most popular and widely accepted form of Human Rights Instrument for children. It came in to force in 1989 to create awareness and acceptance of child rights. It is the first international legally binding instrument that incorporates an entire range of rights – social, cultural, economic, civil and political rights of children. It has been ratified by all the countries in the world except Somalia and United States.
The United Nations Convention of Rights of Children (CRC) has been seamlessly working to safeguard the rights of children and curb the practices that violate child rights in Asia. It continuously monitors and analyses reports of various countries. It has been substantially successful in implementing and influencing the structures and legislations of different countries making them more child-centered and sensitive to needs and rights of children.
In South Asia, the civil society organizations have been actively involved in developing reports to the committee of CRC. Coalitions and networks in the society are also involved in highlighting the issues of child rights prevalent in various countries. The positive outcomes of these efforts can be seen amongst South Asian countries like the age of criminal responsibility in Bangladesh has been increased from 7 to 9 years. Changes have also been brought in laws related to sexual exploitation in most Asian countries.
Due to the Convention principle of non-discrimination, countries have also taken measures to protect the rights of forgotten children like war refugees, street children and others. The view of children are being respected and taken into account while framing the policies related to child welfare. The CRC and Convention of Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) 1979 have given a foundation to the Asian countries where child marriage is prevalent. CRC is also working on the ‘untouchable’ children in Asia who are exploited for child labor.
CRC is facing challenges to realize the right to education for children in many developing South Asian countries.
All Asian countries have signed the CRC which means that they are ready to become part and adapt to the articles and principles of the Convention.
CRC is playing the role of a catalyst in bringing change in the condition of children in Asia.
