This year marks the 30th anniversary of one of the most accepted international conventions, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Since the signing of the CRC in 1989, children and the fulfilment of their rights have come a long way. The survival rate over 5 years old have increased by nearly 60% in the last 20 years. Education has also improved, 91% of the world’s children are now enrolled in primary school, versus 82% in 1989.
On the 30th anniversary, however, it is crucial to remember that children still suffer rights’ challenges every day. Over 152 million children are still involved in child labour, over half of whom are doing work which is hazardous, putting their health, safety, education and development at risk. Article 32 of the CRC states that governments must protect children from economic exploitation and from doing any work which is likely to harm the child. Child labour is also in violation of many other rights linked to it’s root causes including poverty and access to education, infrastructure and other basic services.
ECLT is joining the call made by governments, companies, organisations and communities to help make the fulfilment of the CRC a reality for children in rural areas around the world. Each and every child deserves to have a safe and healthy childhood that supports him or her to grow and thrive. Working with stakeholders at every level produces holistic, effective and sustainable solutions. It will not be solved alone, but together we are up for the challenge.