NCJ Number
122260
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines the reasons for and the content of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, designed to create international consensus and guidelines on protection for children.
Abstract
The convention is the product of 10 years of negotiation by scores of governments as well as nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations from every part of the world. It is a comprehensive document designed to codify practices already widespread in many States, set new standards where necessary, and establish an international procedure of review to monitor progress towards the implementation of its provisions. The convention consists of a preamble; 54 articles; and the means for implementation, monitoring, and support. The convention will be the first international treaty to address traditional practices harmful to children. It calls for the rehabilitation of child victims of neglect, abuse, and exploitation and for the periodic review of children who may be languishing in institutions. The convention establishes the "best interests of the child" as the primary consideration in all actions concerning children, whether in social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative agencies, or legislative bodies.