A
historic event took place on 20 November 1989 when world leaders adopted the
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in the UN General Assembly. Since
its inception more than 30 years ago, the CRC has become the most-widely
ratified human rights treaty in history representing a major milestone in the
historic effort to achieve a world fit for children, As a binding treaty of
international law, it codifies principles that Member States of the United
Nations agreed to be universal – for all children, in all countries and
cultures, at all times and without exception, simply through the fact of their
being born into the human family. This is a testament to the common
understanding among countries and communities that children have the right to
survive and develop; to be protected from
violence, abuse and exploitation; and for their right to participate in their
communities.
The
treaty has inspired changes in laws to better protect children, altered the way
international organizations see their work for children, and supported an
agenda to better protect children in situations of armed conflict.
According to the Abdou Jatta, Executive
Coordinator of Young People in the
Media, The Gambia,(YPM) noted the 30th
anniversary of the CRC reminds us all, of what we have left to do. The
Convention demands a revolution that places children at the heart of human
development – not only because this offers a strong return on our investment
(although it does) nor because the vulnerability of childhood calls upon our
compassion, but rather for a more fundamental reason.
He
added that whilst great progress has been made on child rights protection and
promotion agenda in the past 30 years, much work still remains to be done. Over
the years The Gambia has done a lot in child rights protection and promotion
agenda this has been manifested in the increase level of young people actively
participation in decision making process concerning their wellbeing, the
children Act 2005, has also paved the way for children and young people to be
better protected and participate actively in decision making process.
The
seasoned young rights activist added that “The prosperity of our society
tomorrow depends to a considerable degree on the situation of our children
today,” she said. “Children of poor families are amongst the hardest hit in
times of economic crisis, and the lack of social protection measures will have
lifelong consequences on them, and for the societies in which they live.”
The
YPM Executive Coordinator , maintain
that “Now is the time to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and ensure that
the world follows up on its pledges,” she said. “With the right investments and
concrete action, we can build upon the gains, fulfil our commitments, and
ensure that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to make the most of
their potential.”
He
further elaborated on the widely acceptance of the CRC can give the impression
that it is neither challenging nor new. Yet the very idea that children are the
holders of rights is far from universally recognized. Too many children are
considered to be the property of adults, and are subjected to various forms of
abuse and exploitation.
Jatta,
stressed on the need and recognition that during the past two decades the CRC
has transformed the view and the treatment of children in many countries
throughout the world, as articulated in Article 12 of the UNCRC. As we observe
the 23rd anniversary of the Child Rights Convention. The youth spokesperson
noted that like all powerful ideas, the CRC reflects a demand for deep and
profound changes in the way the world treats its children. Its clear that there are alarming numbers of children who die of
preventable causes daily throughout the world , who do not attend school or
attend a school that cannot offer them a decent education, who are left
abandoned heading households, or who are subjected to violence, exploitation
and abuse against which they are unable to protect themselves.
We
cannot claim that the Convention has achieved what needs to be achieved.
Rather, it has provided all of us with an essential foundation to play our part
in changing what needs to be changed.
About Young People in the Media
The
Young People in the Media in acronym YPM Gambia is a legal registered
organization that seeks to empower young people within the framework of
participatory platform for children and young people in the electronic and
print media, address inequalities amongst children and young people, promote
and protect the rights and well-being of children in society, advocate on
burning issues such as child abuse, teenage and unwanted pregnancy, early
marriage, raise awareness on the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the
Child, The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child , and forge
strong links between sectors and organizations YPM is a non-political and non-profit
umbrella organization, which was formed in early 2006.
