Washington summit puts focus on children's rights

How can a child respond with compassion to a homeless person in a way that satisfies parental concern about safety? Workshop participants at a May 18-20 summit plot a course of action consistent with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Photo: Kathy McNeely/CWS

May 23, 2006

Church World Service took part in a summit aimed at getting the US to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Young people, parents, child rights advocates, government officials, scholars, as well as representatives from non-governmental and religious organizations met May 18-20 in Washington, DC to design a plan of action to advocate for US ratification. Kathy McNeely and Moses Ole Sakuda represented Church World Service at the summit.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a human rights treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989. It was quickly ratified by 103 countries and went into effect in 1990. The Convention sets forth basic norms and standards which individual nations agree to pursue on behalf of children, ensuring that children all over the world lead safe, healthy lives and can reach their full potential as adults.

Somalia and the US have not ratified the Convention. The current US administration is influenced by advocacy groups which contend that the Convention is anti-family.

The Convention actually recognizes the vital role of the family in supporting and guiding the development of the child, and includes provisions to keep family members together.

During workshops, participants examined what US laws would have to change if the Convention was adopted, and weighed the significance of US participation in two optional protocols.

The Children’s Theatre Company of New York performs a short play on accepting the stranger. Photo: Kathy McNeely/CWS

In short theatrical performances during the summit, the Children’s Theatre Company of New York explored the themes of responsible parenthood and acceptance of the stranger. The Company’s mission is “building character onstage,” encouraging children to find their own voice in society in positive ways.

One workshop was conducted entirely by young people. Sixty four young attendees crowded into a room seating 45 to discuss public service announcements on children’s rights. Working groups were assigned to draw up new billboards and public service announcements on the Convention.

In a discussion of human rights dilemmas posed by children themselves, a 15 year old girl from Afghanistan reflected on the violence in her New York City neighborhood. She said she saw a lot of kids there who aren’t aware of their rights.

US ratification of the Convention will be an uphill battle because of misconceptions held by its opponents. The Washington summit equipped young people and other participants with new ideas and energy for education and advocacy in the coming months.