The first fundamental right that every child deserves is the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect. This includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as exploitation and trafficking. Children have the right to feel safe and secure in their homes, schools, and communities.
The second fundamental right is the right to have their best interests considered in all decisions that affect them. This means that adults should always take into account what is best for the child when making choices that impact their lives. Children have a right to be heard and to have their opinions taken seriously.
The third fundamental right is the right to life, survival, and development. Children have a right to access healthcare, education, and other essential services that will help them grow and thrive. They also have the right to play and participate in cultural and recreational activities that are essential for their holistic development.
The fourth fundamental right is the right to a name and nationality. Every child has the right to have a legal identity and to belong to a family, community, and country. This includes access to birth registration and citizenship, as well as protection from statelessness.
The fifth fundamental right is the right to express their own opinions and to have freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Children have the right to speak up and be heard, as well as to practice their own beliefs and values. They also have the right to access information and media that is age-appropriate and empowering.
The sixth fundamental right is the right to be raised by their parents or caregivers in a family environment that is loving, supportive, and nurturing. Children have the right to live with their biological parents, extended family members, or other caregivers who provide them with the care and protection they need to thrive.
The seventh fundamental right is the right to education, which should be free, compulsory, inclusive, and of good quality. Children have the right to learn and develop to their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. Education should be child-centered and promote lifelong learning.
The eighth fundamental right is the right to access healthcare, including prenatal and postnatal care, as well as treatment for illness and injury. Children have the right to be healthy and to receive the medical care and support they need to grow and develop properly.
The ninth fundamental right is the right to be protected from all forms of discrimination, including those based on race, gender, religion, disability, or any other status. Children have the right to be treated equally and to have access to opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential.
The tenth fundamental right is the right to rest, leisure, play, and participation in cultural and artistic activities. Children have the right to relax, play, and enjoy their childhood, as well as to participate in activities that promote their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The eleventh fundamental right is the right to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education, or to be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. Children have the right to be protected from child labor, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
The twelfth fundamental right is the right to participate in decisions that affect them and to have their voices heard and taken into account. Children have the right to be active participants in their communities, schools, and governments, as well as to have a say in matters that impact their lives.
In conclusion, it is important to understand and advocate for the 12 fundamental rights that every child deserves. By upholding and protecting these rights, we can create a world in which all children have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
Nada Foundation
to help girls and women
