ARC ModF2 StudyMaterial 2009

ARCresourcepack Studymaterial Foundationmodule2 Childrightsbasedapproaches
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Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches
Contents
Introduction
Definitionsofterms
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Section1 Introductiontorights
Keylearningpoints Whatarehumanrights? Internationalhumanrightslaw Refugeelaw Humanitarianlaw Humanitarianprinciples Rightsbasedapproaches Advantagesofrightsbasedprogramming Thedutybearerandrightsholderrelationship UNCommonunderstandingofhumanrightsbasedapproaches Trainingmaterialforthissection
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Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild
Keylearningpoints GuidingprinciplesunderlyingtheCRC Nondiscrimination Bestinterestsofthechild Righttolife,survivalanddevelopment Participation(therighttobeheard) AgenderperspectiveontheCRC ChildrensprotectionrightsundertheCRC OptionalprotocolstotheCRC TheOptionalprotocolontheinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflict TheOptionalprotocolonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionand childpornography Otherinternationallegalinstrumentsandhowtheyrelatetochildren The1951Conventionrelatingtothestatusofrefugees TheGenevaconventions TheGuidingprinciplesoninternaldisplacement SecurityCouncilresolutionsonchildrenandarmedconflict InternationalLabourOrganizationconvention182(1999) RomestatuteoftheInternationalCriminalCourt(1998) Africancharteroftherightsandwelfareofthechild Trainingmaterialforthissection
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Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Contents
Section3 Childrightsbasedapproaches
Keylearningpoints Whatarechildrightsbasedapproaches? Whyarechildrightsbasedapproachesimportantinemergencies? Rightsbasedapproachestochildreninconflictanddisasterstakevariousforms Workingwithcommunities Participation Nondiscrimination Capacitybuilding Advocacy Workinginpartnership Trainingmaterialforthissection
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Section4 TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring
Keylearningpoints CRCmonitoring Monitoringandreportingongraveviolationsagainstchildreninarmedconflict Thestructureofthemonitoringandreportingmechanism WhichcountriescanparticipateintheMRM? NoteontheSecurityCouncilworkplan NGOparticipationintheMRM Trainingmaterialforthissection
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Endnotes Furtherreading
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Trainingmaterialforthismodule
Exercisesandhandoutsarealsolistedattheendofeachsection. Whenreferredtointhetext,exercisesandhandoutsarealwaysfromthelistof trainingmaterialattheendofthesectionwherethereferenceappears,unlessthe referencespecificallypointstoothersections.
Exercise1 Exercise2 Exercise3 Handout1 Developingaworkshopbillofrights Exploringparticipants'confidenceinusingrightsbasedapproaches Scattergram Rightsandresponsibilitiesrelationship:Reincarnationisland Scenario
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Exercise1 Exercise2 Handout1 Handout2 Handout3 UsingtheCRCinemergencies
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Thelegalframeworkforspecialprotectionofchildreninemergencies 29 TheCRC Scenarioandtasks Internationallegalstandards 29 29 29
Exercise1 Handout1 Handout2 Exploringchildrightsbasedapproachesinemergencies Needscomparedwithrights Whychoosearightsbasedapproach?
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Exercise1 Exercise2 Handout1 Handout2 Handout3 Handout4 MonitoringandreportingtheCRC Quizonthemonitoringandreportingmechanism(MRM) Stateresponsibilityforrightsandreporting
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ThecycleofreportingtotheUNCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild41 TheCRCreportingprocess WhatdoyouknowabouttheMRM? 41 41
ThismoduleisoneofthefollowingseriesofARCresourcepackmodules.Each includesstudymaterial,slides,exercisesandhandouts. Foundationmodules 1 Understandingchildhoods 2 Childrightsbasedapproaches 3 Programmedesign 4 Participationandinclusion 5 Advocacy 6 Communitymobilisation 7 Psychosocialsupport Criticalissuemodules 1 Abuseandexploitation 2 Education 3 Childrenwithdisabilities 4 Sexualandreproductivehealth 5 Landmineawareness 6 Separatedchildren 7 Childrenassociatedwitharmedforcesorarmedgroups Allmodulesinclude:
studymaterialgivingdetailedinformationonthemodulessubjectandalistof furtherreading slidesgivingkeylearningpointsandextractsfromthestudymaterial,offeringa usefulresourcewhenintroducingtrainingeventsandexercises trainingmaterialforparticipatoryworkshopsthatcomprises exercisesgivingpracticalguidanceforfacilitatorsandhandoutsforparticipants.
ThefollowingdocumentsarealsoincludedintheARCresourcepackCDROMto ensureyoucanmakethemostofthesemodules.
Userguide AnintroductiontotheARCresourcepackandtherelationshipsbetweenmodules. Trainingmanual AdviceandideasfortrainingwithARCresourcepackmaterials. Facilitatorstoolkit Generalguidanceonhowtobeaneffectivefacilitator,withstepbystep introductionstoawiderangeoftrainingmethods. Definitionsofterms Acronyms
Acknowledgements Thefollowingindividualsandorganisationscontributedtothedevelopmentofthe materialinthismodule.
PeterDixon MaureenOFlynn
OHCHR ICRC SavetheChildren
Coverphotograph UNICEF/NYHQ20070877/GeorginaCranston.Juba,southernSudan.
Introduction
Thismoduleisintendedtoprovideabasicunderstandingofoneofthekeyconcepts underlyingARCresourcepack:childrightsandrightsbasedapproachesandwhythey areimportantinemergencysettings.Thismoduleoutlinestheinternationallegal frameworkthatisboththepointofreferenceandthesourceofauthorityfor engagementwiththechallengesfacedbychildren.Italsoaimstoclearlyexplainwhat childrightsbasedapproachesareandhowtheycanbeappliedinemergencies. Humanrights,humanitarianandrefugeelawarerelevanttotheprotectionofchildren andtheexerciseandenjoymentoftheirrightsinemergencies,includingrefugee situations,internaldisplacement,naturalandmanmadedisasterandconflict.The relativevulnerabilityofchildren,andtheneedtoaccordthemspecialconsideration andspecialprotectionshasbeenlongrecognisedandaccepted.Theseconsiderations applytoallchildren,andespeciallysoincircumstanceswherenormalorderis disrupted. Section1Introductiontorights providesbasicinformationonhumanrightsand theirbasisininternationallaw,aswellasdiscussingrightsbasedapproachesandthe dutybearerandrightsholderrelationship. Section2Theconventionontherightsofthechild andrelevantlegalstandards relatingtochildrensrights,buildsontherightsframeworkdiscussedinthefirst sectionandaddsthechildrightsdimension.TheUNConventionontherightsofthe child(CRC)anditsfourguidingprinciplesaredescribedaswellasthetwooptional protocolstotheCRC.Thissectionalsoaddresseshowchildrensrightsarereflectedin otherhumanrightsandhumanitarianlawinstruments. Section3Childrightsbasedapproaches introducestheconceptofincorporating childrensrightsintoprogramminganddescribeswhythisisparticularlyimportantin emergencies.Italsoprovidespracticalexamplesofchildrightsbasedapproachesin emergencysituations. Section4TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring outlinestheCRCreportingprocess anddiscussesthemonitoringandreportingmechanismestablishedbytheSecurity CouncilthroughResolution1612. Definitionsofterms
Accountability Statesandotherdutybearersareaccountableandmustactwithin theruleoflaw.Theyareanswerablefortheobservanceofhumanrights.Theyhaveto complywiththelegalnormsandstandardsenshrinedinhumanrightsinstruments. Wheretheyfailtodoso,aggrievedrightsholdersareentitledtoinstituteproceedings. Civilandpoliticalrights Therightsofcitizenstolibertyandequality.Civilrights includefreedomtoworship,tothinkandexpressoneself,tovote,totakepartin politicallife,andtohaveaccesstoinformation.Manyoftheserightsgiveriseto negativeobligationsfortheStates,thatis,theStatemustnotinterferewiththese rights.Insomecasestheobligationnottointerfereisnotabsolute,butinterference bytheStateisstrictlyregulated. Collectiverights Incontrasttoindividualrightsforallhumanbeings,collective rightsareentitlementstosomepeoplebelongingtoacertaingroupofpeople,ora groupwithinthegroup.Theconceptremainscontroversial,andissomewhataliento
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Introduction
mosthumanrightstreaties,whichareconstructedtoprotecttheindividualsrights andinterestagainsttheStateanditsinterests.Nevertheless,theAfricancharteron humanandpeoplesrightsacknowledgesthecollectiverightstoeconomic,socialand culturaldevelopment,peaceandsecurityandasatisfactoryenvironment.
CommitteeontheRightsoftheChild Thecommitteeisthebodyofindependent expertsthatmonitorsimplementationoftheCRCbyitsStateparties.Italsomonitors theimplementationoftwooptionalprotocolstotheconvention,ontheinvolvementof childreninarmedconflictandonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchild pornography. Customaryinternationallaw Unliketreatylaw,customaryinternationallawisnot written.Toprovethatacertainruleiscustomaryonehastoshowthatitisreflectedin Statepracticeandthatthereexistsaconvictionintheinternationalcommunitythat suchpracticeisrequiredasamatteroflaw.Inthiscontext,practicerelatestoofficial StatepracticeandthereforeincludesformalstatementsbyStates.Whenaruleis foundtohavethestatusofcustomarylawitisbindingonallStates,unlesstheState isapersistentobjector,thatishasconsistentlyandovertimeobjectedtothisrulein itsStatepractice. Dutybearer Bodyorindividualwhohasresponsibilitiesandobligationstowards rightsholdersasenshrinedininternationalandnationallawandhumanrights instruments.Astheprimarydutybearer,theStatehasalegalobligationtorespect, protectandfulfilthehumanrightsofallpersonsinitsjurisdiction.Thisobligationof theStateextendstoallsubentitiesofitsuchasthepolice,army,healthservice,local governmentandeducationalinstitutions(partiallydependingonthedivisionofpower thatexistsinnationallaw).Thecourtsandjudgesalsohavetheseobligationsand shouldplayamajorroleinensuringthattheyarefulfilled.Individualsandcompanies mayalsohavesomedutiesmainlythatasarightsholdertheyarenotpermittedto infringeonorlimitanyotherpersonsrightsintheexerciseoftheirownrights. Economic,socialandculturalrights Theserightsrelatetotheconditions necessarytomeetbasichumanneedssuchasfood,shelter,education,healthcareand gainfulemployment.Theyincludetherightstoeducation,adequatehousing,food, water,thehighestattainablestandardofhealthandtherighttoworkandrightsat work,aswellastheculturalrightsofminoritiesandindigenouspeoples.Ingeneral terms,theserightsareprogressive,thatistheStatemustshowconstantand consistentactstowardsthefulfilmentoftheserights. Humanrightstreaties,covenantsandconventions Thesearepartof internationallaw.Usedinterchangeably,treaty,covenantandconventionreferto legallybindingagreementsbetweenStates.Theseagreementsdefinethedutiesof Statespartiestothetreaty,covenantorconvention.Theyapplyintimesofpeaceand conflict.HumanrightstreatiesregulateobligationsofStatestowardspersonsintheir ownterritory(ratherthantowardsotherStates). Instrument Legaltoolusedtodesignate,defineandharmoniseinternationalhuman rightsstandards,forexample:CRCConventionontherightsofpersonswith disabilitiesProtocoltoprevent,suppressandpunishtraffickinginpersons,especially womenandchildren.
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Introduction
Optionalprotocol(OP) Anoptionalprotocoltoatreatyisamultilateralagreement thatStatepartiescanratifyoraccedeto.Itisintendedtofurtheraspecificpurposeof thetreatyortoassistintheimplementationofitsprovisions. Ratificationtoratify Ratification,acceptanceandapprovalallrefertotheact undertakenontheinternationalplane,wherebyaStateestablishesitsconsenttobe boundbyatreaty.MostmultilateraltreatiesexpresslyprovideforStatestoexpress theirconsenttobeboundbysignaturesubjecttoratification,acceptanceorapproval. Resolution AformaltextadoptedbyUNandregionalmechanisms,orotherinter governmentalbodies(notexclusivetoUNsystem,alsoissuedbyregional mechanisms).AlthoughanyUNbodycanissueresolutions,inpracticemost resolutionsareissuedbytheSecurityCouncilortheGeneralAssembly.Thelegal statusofUNresolutionshasbeenamatterofintensedebate. Rightsholder Theindividualorcollectionofindividualsinpossessionofarightand whocanmakeaclaimtoseetherightrespected,protectedandfulfilled.Therights holdermayalsohavedutiesandobligationsinrelationtootherrightsholders. Companiesandothercommercialentitiescanalsoholdcertainrights. Universaldeclarationofhumanrights(UDHR) AdoptedbytheGeneralAssembly on10December1948,itistheprimaryUNdocumentestablishinghumanrights standardsandnormalities.AllmemberStateshaveagreedtoupholdtheUDHR. Althoughthedeclarationwasintendedtobenonbinding,throughtimeitsvarious provisionshavebeenupheldbyStatesinaconsistentmannerandlargelycodifiedin bindinghumanrightstreaties,thusgivingitthestatusofcustomaryinternationallaw, meaningthatitsprovisionsarebindinguponallStatesirrespectiveofsignatureto otherhumanrightstreaties.
MuchofthissectionistakenfromtheOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHuman RightsFrequentlyaskedquestionsonahumanrightsbasedapproachtodevelopment cooperation,2006 Keylearningpoints
Allpeoplehavebasicrightstowhichtheyareentitledwithoutdiscrimination. Humanrightshavebeengivenlegalstatusthroughtheadoptionofaseriesoftreaties andotherinternationalinstruments. Therelationshipbetweendutybearersandrightsholdersisakeyelementofrights basedapproaches. Whatarehumanrights? Humanrightsareuniversallegalguaranteesprotectingindividualsandgroupsagainst actionsandomissionsthatinterferewithfundamentalfreedoms,entitlementsand humandignity.HumanrightslawobligesStates(principally)andotherdutybearersto docertainthingsandprohibitsthemfromdoingothers. Someofthemostimportantcharacteristicsofhumanrightsarethatthey:
areuniversalthebirthrightofallhumanbeings focusontheinherentdignityandequalworthofallhumanbeings areequal,indivisibleandinterdependent cannotbewaivedortakenaway imposeobligationsofactionandomission,particularlyonStatesandStateactors havebeeninternationallyguaranteed arelegallyprotected protectindividualsandtosomeextentgroups. Amongtherightsguaranteedtoallhumanbeingsunderinternationaltreatieswithout anydiscriminationongroundssuchasrace,colour,sex,language,politicalorother opinion,nationalorsocialorigin,property,birthorotherstatus,areasfollows.
Therighttolife,libertyandsecurityofperson Freedomofassociation,expression,assemblyandmovement Therighttothehighestattainablestandardofhealth Freedomfromarbitraryarrestordetention Therighttoafairtrial Therighttojustandfavourableworkingconditions Therighttoadequatefood,housingandsocialsecurity Therighttoeducation
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights
Therighttoequalprotectionofthelaw Freedomfromarbitraryinterferencewithprivacy,family,homeorcorrespondence Freedomfromtortureandcruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment Freedomfromslavery Therighttoanationality Freedomofthought,conscienceandreligion Therighttovoteandtakepartintheconductofpublicaffairs(limitedbynationality) Therighttoparticipateinculturallife Therighttoseekasylumfrompersecution(althoughthereisnorighttobegranted asylum) Internationalhumanrightsareuniversallyrecognisedregardlessofcultural differences,buttheirpracticalimplementationdoesdemandsensitivitytoculture. Internationalhumanrightsstandardsenjoyastrongclaimtouniversalitywith considerableadaptabilitytodifferentculturalcontexts.Article1oftheUniversal declarationofhumanrights(UDHR)statesAllhumanbeingsarebornfreeandequal indignityandrights.Humanrightsareinherentandinalienableinhumanbeings, simplybythefactoftheirbeinghuman.Thehumanpersoninwhomtheyinhere cannotvoluntarilygivethemup.Norcanotherstakethemaway.Allcountrieshave ratifiedatleastoneoftheninecoreUNhumanrightstreatiesand80%ofStateshave ratifiedfourormore,givingconcreteexpressiontothisuniversalrecognition. Theinternationalhumanrightsframeworkitselfacknowledgesculturaldiversityby limitingtheambitofinternationalhumanrightstoarangeofstandardsonwhich internationalconsensusispossible.However,cultureisneitherstaticnorsacrosanct, butratherevolvesaccordingtoexternalandinternalstimuli.Thereismuchinevery culturethatsocietiesquitenaturallyoutgrowandreject.Inanycase,cultureisno excusenottoensuretheenjoymentofhumanrights.Forinstance,harmfultraditional practices,suchasfemalegenitalmutilation,evenifembeddedinlongstanding culturalcustoms,needtochangewhentheyareinconflictwithinternationalhuman rightsstandards.Humanitariananddevelopmenteffortsshouldassistthefull realisationofinternationalhumanrightsstandardswhateverthecountryconcerned. Internationalhumanrightslaw Internationalrecognitionofthenecessityofensuringtheprotectionofhumanrights wasstrengthenedbyUNGeneralAssemblyadoptionoftheUDHRon10December 1948.Draftedasacommonstandardofachievementforallpeoplesandnations,the declarationforthefirsttimeinhumanhistoryspellsoutbasiccivil,political,economic, socialandculturalrightsthatallhumanbeingsshouldenjoy.Ithasovertimebeen widelyacceptedasthefundamentalnormsofhumanrightsthateveryoneshould respectandprotect.TheUDHR,togetherwiththeInternationalcovenantonciviland politicalrightsanditstwooptionalprotocols,andtheInternationalcovenanton 1 economic,socialandculturalrights,anditsrecentlyadoptedOptionalprotocol, form theInternationalbillofhumanrights. Aseriesofinternationalhumanrightstreatiesandotherinstrumentsadoptedsince 1945haveformallyconferredlegallybindingforcetotheinherenthumanrightsand
developedthebodyofinternationalhumanrights.Otherinstrumentshavebeen adoptedattheregionallevelreflectingtheparticularhumanrightsconcernsofthe regionandprovidingforspecificmechanismsofprotection.MostStateshavealso adoptedconstitutionsandotherlawswhichformallyprotectbasichumanrights.While internationaltreatiesandcustomarylawformthebackboneofinternationalhuman rightslawotherinstruments,suchasdeclarations,guidelinesandprinciplesadoptedat theinternationallevelcontributetoitsunderstanding,implementationand development.Respectforhumanrightsrequirestheestablishmentoftheruleoflawat thenationalandinternationallevels. InternationalhumanrightslawlaysdownobligationswhichStatesarelegallyboundto adhereto.Bybecomingpartiestointernationaltreaties,Statesassumeobligations anddutiesunderinternationallawtorespect,toprotectandtofulfilhumanrights.The obligationtorespectmeansthatStatesmustrefrainfrominterferingwithorcurtailing theenjoymentofhumanrights.TheobligationtoprotectrequiresStatestoprotect individualsandgroupsagainsthumanrightsabuses.Theobligationtofulfilmeansthat Statesmusttakepositiveactiontofacilitatetheenjoymentofbasichumanrights. Throughratificationofinternationalhumanrightstreaties,Statesundertaketoputinto placedomesticmeasuresandlegislationcompatiblewiththeirtreatyobligationsand duties.Wheredomesticlegalproceedingsfailtoaddresshumanrightsabuses, mechanismsandproceduresforindividualcomplaintsorcommunicationsareavailable attheregionalandinternationallevelstohelpensurethatinternationalhumanrights standardsareindeedrespected,implemented,andenforcedatthelocallevel. Statescollapsing,violentchangesofgovernmentorstatessplittingupintoseveral newentitiesareoftenaccompaniedbyhumanitariancrisis.Ininternationallaw,these kindsofchangesfallunderthelegalframeworkofStatesuccession.Inessence,all humanrightstreatiesineffectwillcontinuetomaintaininforceunlessanduntilthe Statecontrollingtheterritoryactivelyseekstoremoveorchangetheseobligations. Thismeansthatachangeofgovernment,howeverdrastic,willneverinfluencethe humanrightsobligationsoftheStateunlessthenewgovernmentactuallymanagesto withdrawfromthetreaty.AchangeofnameoftheStatenormallyhasnoimpact either. Refugeelaw Thelegalframeworkforprotectingrefugeesiscomposedofthe1951Convention relatingtothestatusofrefugeesandits1967protocol,andregionalrefugee instruments,aswellasUNHCRExComconclusions,policiesandguidelines. ImplementationofrefugeelawisprimarilyuptoStates,althoughUNHCRhasataskof supervisingtheapplicationofthe1951conventionandStatesarerequiredto cooperatewithUNHCRunderArticle35.The1951conventionandits1967protocol areapplicabletoallpersonswhoarerefugeesasdefinedintheinstruments. Humanitarianlaw TheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross(ICRC)defineshumanitarianlawas asetofruleswhichseek,forhumanitarianreasons,tolimittheeffectsofarmed conflict.Itprotectspersonswhoarenotorarenolongerparticipatinginthe hostilitiesandrestrictsthemeansandmethodsofwarfare.Internationalhumanitarian lawisalsoknownasthelawofwarorthelawofarmedconflict.2 International humanitarianlawappliesonlyintimesofconflictandisapplicablenotonlyinconflicts
betweentwoormoreStates(internationalarmedconflicts),butalsowhentheconflict occursontheterritoryofasingleState,usuallybetweengovernmentanddissident forces(internalconflicts).Internationalhumanitarianlawprimarilygovernstheactions ofStatesorpartiestoarmedconflicts. ThemaintreatiesofinternationalhumanitarianlawarethefourGenevaconventionsof 1949andthetwoprotocolsof1977.Theprimaryfocusofthefourconventionsis situationsofinternationalarmedconflict,althoughacommonArticle3obligesall partiestoanoninternationalarmedconflictincludingdissidentarmedfactions,to respectcertainminimumhumanitarianruleswithregardtopersonswhoarenot,or arenolonger,takingpartinhostilities.Childrenareincludedasanyothercivilian underArticle3whichiscommonlyseentoreflectinternationalcustomarylaw,and thusbebindingonallStatesregardlessofratificationoftheGenevaconventions. Todeveloptheprotectionmeasuresavailabletocivilianpopulationsinarmedconflict twoprotocolswereadoptedin1977: Protocol1 relatingtotheprotectionofvictimsofinternationalarmedconflicts Protocol2 relatingtotheprotectionofvictimsofnoninternationalarmedconflicts. Humanitarianprinciples Incontrasttohumanitarianlaw,humanitarianprinciplesgoverntheconductofthird partyactorsororganisationsprovidingassistanceinemergencysituations.The followinghumanitarianprinciplesarederivedfromhumanitarianlawandformpartofa humanrightsapproachtoprogramming.TheyarefurtherelaboratedintheCodeof conductforInternationalRedCrossandRedCrescentMovementandNGOsindisaster reliefavailableonline: www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/codeofconduct290296
Thehumanitarianimperative
topreventandalleviatesuffering toprotectlifeandhealth,withdignityandattentiontothemostvulnerable toensurerespectforthehumanbeing.
Thehumanitarianimperativeimpliesarighttoreceivehumanitarianassistanceanda dutytoofferit.Italsoimpliesanoverallapproachtotheprotectionofrightsie.the respectofinternationalhumanitarianlawandhumanrights.
Neutrality Relieforganisationsarenottotakesidesinthehostilitiesorin controversiesbasedonpolitical,racial,religiousorideologicalidentity(non partisanship).Transparencyandopennessarekeyinmaintainingneutrality.In keepingwithhumanrightsprinciples.Howeverneutralitydoesnotimplythatnoaction againstparticularchildrightsviolationsshouldbeundertaken.Inotherwords,relief agenciesaretotakenoothersidethanthesideofchildren.Militaryassetsmustonly beusedasalastresortprovidedthereliefoperationremainsundertheoverall authorityandcontrolofhumanitarianorganisations. Impartiality Aidshouldbedeliveredtoallthosewhoaresufferingregardlessoftheir sex,age,ethnicity,oridentity.Theonlyguidingprincipleistheirneedandthe correspondinghumanright.Whereresourcesarenotsufficient,priorityisalwaysgiven tothosemostaffected,inconformitywithallhumanrightsandhumanrights principles.
Inaddition,thefollowingprinciples,agreedbytheInteragencyStandingCommittee (IASC)onhumanitarianaid,shouldbefollowedinprovidingemergencyassistance.
Dono(orless)harm Aidmustnotbecomeanindirectpartofthedynamicsofthe conflictassistanceshouldsupportrecoveryandlongtermdevelopment. Accountability Aidagenciesareaccountabletobothcommunities(thattheirneeds aremet)anddonors(thatassistanceisprovidedfortheintendedpurpose). Participation Reliefshouldbuildonexistingcapacitiesandpromoteparticipation. Respectforcultureandcustom Whilehumanitarianlawisgenerallyapplicableinsituationsofconflict,theprinciplesas explainedabove,alsoapplytonaturaldisastersandothertypesofemergencies. FromUNICEFPPPM2007:12 Regionalinstruments OftenitmaybeeasierforStatestoagreeonandimplementregionalinstruments becausetheyprovideacommonapproachtocertainissuesanddealwithproblems specifictotheregionorcountriesconcerned.Regionalinstrumentsareusuallyadopted intheframeworkofaregionalorganisation.Therearevariousregionalhumanrights systemsinAfrica,Europe,theAmericasandtheIslamicandArabStates.Regional instrumentscansometimesprovidehigherstandardsofprotectionthanan internationaltreaty.Forexample,theAfricancharterontherightsandwelfareofthe childprohibitsallformsofmilitaryrecruitmentofchildrenundertheageof18, whereastheoptionalprotocoltotheCRCpermitsthevoluntaryrecruitmentofchildren under18byStatesinsomeinstances. Nationallaw Nationallawcontainsthepracticalprovisionsforprotectingchildreninemergencies includingprovidingconcreteimplementationmeasuresandmechanisms.Insome States,theconstitutionguaranteessomeofthestandardscontainedininternational instruments.Insomecasesinternationaltreatiesareselfexecuting,meaningthat theycanbedirectlyinvokedbeforethecourts,whileinothersonlywhenthe provisionshavefirstbeenincorporatedintothenationallegislation.TheStatedecides whichoneoftheseoptionstotake.Thefactthatalawexiststoprotectcertainrights isnotenoughiftheselawsdonotalsoprovideforallofthelegalpowersand institutionsnecessarytoensuretheireffectiverealisation.Staffworkinginacountry shouldalwaysrefertothenationallawoftheStateandthevariousmechanismsfor theirimplementation. Nonbindinginstruments Principlesandpracticesofinternationallawareoftenstatedindeclarations, resolutions,principlesorguidelines.WhiletheyhavenobindingeffectonStatesthey neverthelessrepresentabroadconsensusonthepartoftheinternationalcommunity. Sometimestheymaybemoredetailedthantreatiesandcancomplementthem.An exampleistheUNGuidingprinciplesoninternaldisplacementthatidentifiestherights andguaranteesrelevanttotheprotectionoftheinternallydisplacedinallphasesof displacement.Theyprovideprotectionagainstarbitrarydisplacement,offerabasisfor protectionandassistanceduringdisplacementandsetforthguaranteesforsafe return,resettlementandreintegration.Althoughtheydonotconstituteabinding instrument,theseprinciplesreflectandareconsistentwithinternationalhumanrights, humanitarianlawandanalogousrefugeelaw.
Rightsbasedapproaches Ahumanrightsbasedapproachisaconceptualframeworkfortheprocessofhuman developmentthatisnormativelybasedoninternationalhumanrightsstandardsand operationallydirectedtopromotingandprotectinghumanrights.Itseekstoanalyse inequalitieswhichlieattheheartofdevelopmentproblemsandredressdiscriminatory practicesandunjustdistributionsofpowerthatimpededevelopmentprogress.Mere charityisnotenoughfromahumanrightsperspective.Underahumanrightsbased approach,theplans,policiesandprocessesofdevelopmentareanchoredinasystem ofrightsandcorrespondingobligationsestablishedininternationallaw.Thishelpsto promotethesustainabilityofdevelopmentwork,empoweringpeoplethemselves, especiallythemostmarginalised,toparticipateinpolicyformulationandhold accountablethosewhohaveadutytoact. Whilethereisnouniversalrecipeforahumanrightsbasedapproach,thefollowing areanumberofessentialattributes.
Aspoliciesandprogrammesareformulated,themainobjectiveshouldbetofulfil humanrights. Ahumanrightsbasedapproachidentifiesrightsholdersandtheirentitlements, correspondingdutybearersandtheirobligations,andworkstowardsstrengthening thecapacitiesofrightsholderstomaketheirclaimsandofdutybearerstomeettheir obligations. Principlesandstandardsderivedfrominternationalhumanrightstreatiesshouldguide allcooperationandprogramminginallsectorsandinallphasesoftheprogramming process. Therearetwomainrationalesforahumanrightsbasedapproach.
1 Intrinsicrationaleacknowledgingthatahumanrightsbasedapproachistheright thingtodo,morallyorlegally. 2 Instrumentalrationalerecognisingthatahumanrightsbasedapproachleadsto betterandmoresustainablehumandevelopmentoutcomes. Inpractice,thereasonforpursuingahumanrightsbasedapproachisusuallyablend ofthesetwo.Empiricalevidenceandpracticeshowthevitalimportanceto developmentofmanyhumanrightsoutcomes,suchasimprovedgirlseducation, enhancedsecurityoftenureandensuringwomensequalaccesstolandandthe importanceofcivilandpoliticalrightsforgoodgovernance. Advantagesofrightsbasedprogramming
providesinternationallegitimacy offersasystematicframeworkforplanningandprogramming focusesonrootcauses,sustainablesolutions,influencingpoliciesratherthan deliveryofservices createsopportunitiesforcollaborationwithotherorganisationsandagencies humanrightsstandardsarewidelyaccepted holdsdutybearersaccountable
Investingtimeinunderstandingwhatarightishelpsdistinguishrightsfromneeds. Itsnotrightsorneeds,its: rights=needs+obligation+accountability
Thedutybearerandrightsholderrelationship (adaptedfromGettingitrightforchildren) Afundamentalelementofrightsbasedapproachesistheprocessthroughwhichduty bearersmeet,andareheldtoaccountfor,theirobligations,andthroughwhichrights holdersareempoweredtoclaimtheirentitlements.Rightsbasedprogrammingshould helpenabletheeffectivefunctioningoftherelationshipbetweenthedutybearerand therightsholder.Dutybearersmayneedtobeheldtoaccountandsupportedtofulfil theirobligations.Itmayalsobenecessarytoempowerandstrengthenthecapacityof childrenasrightsholders(andothersincivilsociety)toclaimtheentitlementsto whichtheyaredue.
Arelationshipbetweenrightsandresponsibilities
Whoisthedutybearer? Dutybearersarethosedefinedashavingobligationsunderinternationalhumanrights conventions.TheStateisthemaindutybearer.Ithasobligationstorespect, protectandfulfilpeoplesrights.AlthoughtheStatealwaysmaintainsresponsibilityfor therightsofitscitizens,itmaydelegateimplementationtootherentities(suchas privatecompaniesorcivilsocietygroups).Theinternationalcommunityalsohas obligationstosupporttheStateinmeetingitsresponsibilitiestofulfilchildrensrights. Parentsandotherswhocareforchildrenarealsodutybearers,withspecific responsibilitiestowardschildren.Theymaybedescribedassecondarydutybearers. Otherindividualsandgroupsmayhavecertainresponsibilitiesforchildren,depending
onthemoralcodesoftheparticularsocietyorculture.Thesearegenerallymoral dutiesratherthanlegalduties. Humanrightsobligationscanalsoattachtoprivateindividuals,international organisationsandothernonStateactors.Parents,forexample,haveexplicit obligationsundertheCRCandStatesareobligedtocooperatewitheachotherto eliminateobstaclestodevelopment.Moreover,individualshavegeneralresponsibilities towardsthecommunityatlargeand,ataminimum,mustrespectthehumanrightsof others.However,theStateremainstheprimarydutybearerunderinternationallaw, andcannotabrogateitsdutytosetinplaceandenforceanappropriateregulatory environmentforprivatesectoractivitiesandresponsibilities.Nationallegislationand policiesmustdetailhowtheStateshumanrightsobligationswillbedischargedat national,provincialandlocallevels,andtheextenttowhichindividuals,companies, localgovernmentunits,NGOsorotherorgansofsocietywilldirectlyshoulder responsibilityforimplementation. UNCommonunderstandingofhumanrightsbasedapproaches Overthelastseveralyears,developmentandhumanitarianagencieshavebegun shiftingtheirprogrammingtoreflectrightsbasedapproaches.TheUN,forexample, hasbeenmovingtoanorganisationwideunderstandingofandcommitmenttohuman rightsbasedapproachesinallitswork.Previously,eachagencytendedtohaveits owninterpretationoftheapproachandhowitshouldbeoperationalised.However,it wasrecognisedthatUNinteragencycollaborationatglobal,regionalandcountrylevel requiredacommonunderstandingofthisapproachanditsimplicationsfor developmentprogramming.Astatementofcommonunderstandingwasthusreached in2003,whichspecificallyreferstoahumanrightsbasedapproachtothe developmentcooperationanddevelopmentprogrammingbyUNagencies.Although theUNCommonunderstandinghasbeenoutlinedonlyforthedevelopmentcontext, someelementswillautomaticallyapplytothehumanitariancontext,whileothers wouldneedtobeadaptedtohumanitariansituations. InadditiontotheCommonunderstanding,therevisedCCA/UNDAF(Commoncountry assessmentandUNDevelopmentassistanceframework)guidelines(2007)definea humanrightsbasedapproachasoneofthefivemandatoryprinciplesinUNcommon programmingatthecountrylevelandthecommonlearningpackage(CLP)ona humanrightsbasedapproachtoUNcommonprogrammingdevelopedbytheUN interagencyAction2GlobalProgramme,providesspecificmethodologicalguidanceto applyahumanrightsbasedapproachinallphasesoftheprogrammingprocess.The packageisdeliveredsystematicallybytheUNSystemStaffCollege(UNSSC)toall CCA/UNDAFrolloutcountriessince2007. Commonunderstanding 1 Allprogrammesofdevelopmentcooperation,policiesandtechnicalassistanceshould furthertherealisationofhumanrightsaslaiddownintheUDHRandother internationalhumanrightsinstruments. 2 Humanrightsstandardscontainedin,andprinciplesderivedfrom,theUDHRandother internationalhumanrightsinstrumentsguidealldevelopmentcooperationand programminginallsectorsandinallphasesoftheprogrammingprocess. 3 Developmentcooperationcontributestothedevelopmentofthecapacitiesofduty bearerstomeettheirobligationsandofrightsholderstoclaimtheirrights.
Trainingmaterialforthissection Exercise1 Exercise2 Developingaworkshopbillofrights Exploringparticipantsconfidenceinusingrightsbasedapproaches Scattergram Rightsandresponsibilitiesrelationship:Reincarnationisland Scenario
Exercise3 Handout1
Keylearningpoints
TheCRCanditsoptionalprotocolsofferthehigheststandardsofprotectionand assistanceforchildrenofanyinternationalinstrument. TheCRCisbasedonfourgeneralprinciples:
nondiscrimination thebestinterestsofthechild therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment therighttobeheard.
TheCRCofferspotentialfortheprotectionofchildreninemergenciesbecauseofits nearuniversalacceptanceandnondiscriminationprinciple. InadditiontotheCRC,manyotherlegalinstrumentsguaranteechildrensrightsin developmentandemergencycontexts. Humanrightsapplytoallagegroups.Childrenhavethesamegeneralhumanrightsas adults.Butchildrenareparticularlyvulnerableandsotheyalsohaveparticularrights thatrecognisetheirspecialneedforprotection.TheserightsareenshrinedintheCRC. TheCRCwasadoptedin1989andcameintoforcethenextyear.Itisthehuman rightstreatywiththehighestrateofratifications,withonlytwoStates,theUSand Somalia,notpartiestoit.In2000,twooptionalprotocolstotheCRCwereadopted, oneontheinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflictandoneonthesaleofchildren, childprostitutionandchildpornographyandbothenteredintoforceinearly2002. TheCRCistheonlyinternationalhumanrightstreatythatexpresslygivesnon governmentalorganisations(NGOs)aroleinmonitoringitsimplementationunder Article45(a). ThenearuniversalacceptanceoftheCRCestablishesitasasetofinternationalnorms thatarethebasicminimumrightsthatchildrenareentitledto. TheCRCdefinesachildaseveryonelessthan18yearsofageunless,underthelaw applicabletothechild,majorityisattainedearlier(Article1).TheCommitteeonthe RightsoftheChild,themonitoringbodyfortheCRC,hasencouragedStatestoreview theageofmajorityifitissetbelow18andtoincreasethelevelofprotectionforall childrenunder18. ForananalysisonthespecificrightsintheCRCthatrelatetothatcriticalissuesee Topic2ofeachCriticalissuemodule. Withrespecttointernationalhumanrightslaw:
TheCRCisacomprehensivecodeofrightsforchildren,offeringthehigheststandards ofprotectionandassistanceforchildrenunderanyinternationalinstrument.The protectionstandardsgobeyondtheusualguaranteesofhealth,educationandwelfare andincludeguaranteesrelatingtothechildsindividualpersonality,rightstofreedom ofexpression,religion,association,assemblyandprivacy.
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild
TheCRCreflectsanewvisionofthechild.Childrenareneitherthepropertyoftheir parentsnoraretheyhelplessobjectsofcharity.Theyarehumanbeingsandarethe subjectoftheirownrights.TheCRCoffersavisionofthechildasanindividualandas amemberofafamilyandthecommunity,withrightsappropriatetohisorherage andstageofdevelopment. TheCRCappliestoallchildrenwithinthejurisdictionofthecountry,includingrefugee andotherdisplacedchildren. TheCRCofferspotentialfortheprotectionofrefugeechildreneveninStatesthatare notpartytorefugeeinstruments. Implementation ByratifyingtheCRC,Statescommittoundertakingallappropriatelegislative, administrativeandothermeasuresfortheimplementationoftherightsrecognisedin theconvention(Article4).StatesreportonsuchmeasurestotheCommitteeonthe RightsoftheChild,whichischargedwithmonitoringStatesimplementationofthe convention.CRCandchildrightsmonitoringwillbediscussedinmoredetailin Section4. Theroleoflocalauthorities Inmanycountries,localgovernmentsincreasinglyassumeresponsibilityforprotecting childrights.Localauthoritieshaveapivotalroletoplayingivingsupporttoother serviceprovidersandalsointheareasofregulation,enforcementandmonitoringof childrights.Thisroleisincreasingwheredecentralisationandreductionofsafetynets havecreatedvacuumsinsocialprovision,addingtotheburdenatthelocallevel.In manysuchcases,municipalauthoritiesandlocalbranchesofnationalagencies becometheprimaryactorsinprovidingbasicservicesforchildren.Evenwhere assistancefromhigherlevelsofgovernmentislacking,localauthoritiesretainthelegal responsibility,astherepresentativeoftheState,torespect,protect,andfulfilthe rightsofchildrenandtorespondasbesttheycantothesituationofchildrenunder theirjurisdiction. GuidingprinciplesunderlyingtheCRC TheCRCisunderpinnedbyfourmainprinciples:
nondiscrimination thebestinterestsofthechild therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment therighttoparticipation (theprinciplesappearinaslidewiththismodule).
TheseprinciplesareinherentinthefourrightsexpressedinArticle2,Article3, Article6andArticle12.Itisimportanttostressthattheserightsorprinciplesdonot standalonetheyinteractwitheachotherandwiththeotherrightsintheCRC.Itis importanttounderstandtheconceptsbehindtheseinteractingprinciplesandapply theminprogramming. Nondiscrimination Statespartiesshallrespectandensuretherightssetforthinthepresentconvention toeachchildwithintheirjurisdictionwithoutdiscriminationofanykind,irrespectiveof thechildsorhisorherparentsorlegalguardiansrace,colour,sex,language, religion,politicalorotheropinion,national,ethnicorsocialorigin,property,disability, birthorotherstatus. Article2(1) Thethemeofnondiscriminationisofspecialimportanceforprotectionofrefugee, displacedandotherchildreninemergencies.Itrelatestotherecognitionthatevery childwithinamemberStatesjurisdictionshouldbegiventheopportunitytoenjoythe rightsrecognisedbytheCRCwithoutregardtocitizenship,immigrationstatusorany otherstatus.TheimplementationofthearticlesoftheCRCinanondiscriminatory mannerensuresthatmeasuresofprotectionareaimedatremovingalldiscrimination ineveryfield,forexample,betweenchildrenwhoarenationals,displacedoraliens betweengirlsandboysandchildrenwithdisabilitiesandthosewithout.Therights undertheCRCareequallyapplicabletoaliens,refugees,displacedandeventhose childrenwhoareintheStateillegally.Legalstatuscannotbeusedasabasisforany formofdiscriminationagainstthechild.
TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildregularlyreviewsthesituationofrefugee childrenandhasonseveraloccasionspointedoutthattheCRCismeanttoensure themequalrights. Bestinterestsofthechild Inallactionsconcerningchildren,whetherundertakenbypublicorprivatesocial welfareinstitutions,courtsoflaw,administrativeauthoritiesorlegislativebodies,the bestinterestsofthechildshallbeaprimaryconsideration. Article3(1) TheprincipleofbestinterestsisparticularlyimportantinthecontextoftheCRC, becauseforthefirsttime,itclearlylinksthechildsbestintereststorespectforand fulfilmentofhisorherrights. Theprincipleisevident,forexample,inarticlesthatprovideobligationstoconsider thebestinterestsofindividualchildreninparticularsituations.
Separatedchildren Thechildshallnotbeseparatedfromhisorherparentsagainst hisorherwillexceptwhencompetentauthoritiessubjecttojudicialreviewdetermine, inaccordancewithapplicablelawandprocedures,thatsuchseparationisnecessary forthebestinterestsofthechild(Article9(1)).Childrentemporarilyorpermanently deprivedoftheirfamilyenvironmentorinwhoseownbestinterestscannotbeallowed toremaininthatenvironmentareentitledtospecialprotectionandassistance (Article20). Detainedchildren Childrenwhoaredeprivedoftheirlibertymustbeseparatedfrom adultsunlessitisconsideredinthechildsbestinterestnottodoso Article37(c). Article3emphasisesthatgovernmentsandpublicandprivatebodiesmustascertain theimpactonchildrenoftheiractionsinordertoensurethatthebestinterestsofthe childareaprimaryconsideration,givingproperprioritytochildrenandbuildingchild friendlysocieties.ThebestinterestofthechildmustalsobeconsideredbytheState whenformulatingpolicy.Theapplicationofthearticleisnotlimitedtothelevelof policymaking,butalsoappliesattheleveloftheindividualchild.Howacourseof actionmightaffectthechildindividuallymustbelookedatclosely.Indeterminingthe childsbestinterests,thechildsownviewsmustbetakenintoconsideration. Thedecisionabouthowtoestablishachildsbestinterestscanoftenbedifficult,and nosingleanswermaybeobviouslyandindisputablycorrect.Therearemanyfactors thatmayaffectthebestinterestsofthechild,suchastheage,sex,cultural background,generalenvironmentandpastexperiencesofthechild.Allthesefactors makeaprecisedefinitionoftheprincipledifficult.Anyinterpretationoftheprinciple mustbeinthespiritoftheentireCRC,withthechildbeingasubjectofrights.The bestinterestsofthechildarebestassessedonacasebycasebasis,involvingthe evaluationofallrelevantfactorsandgivingdueregardtoexpertadvice(bothfroma legalandchilddevelopmentperspective). UNHCRsGuidelinesonformaldeterminationofthebestinterestsofthechildprovidea usefultoolforthosewhoarerequiredtomakeanddocumentaformaldetermination ofthebestinterestsofthechildatfieldlevel.
Righttolife,survivalanddevelopment Statespartiesrecognisethateverychildhastheinherentrighttolife,and,shall ensuretothemaximumextentpossiblethesurvivalanddevelopmentofthechild. Article6 UnderArticle6,Statesmustadoptappropriatemeasurestosafeguardthisright.This includestakingmeasurestoincreaselifeexpectancyandtolowerinfantandchild mortality,aswellasprohibitionsonthedeathpenalty.Statesshouldfullyensurethe righttoanadequatestandardofliving,includingtherighttohousing,nutritionand thehighestattainablestandardsofhealth.Thesurvivalanddevelopmentprinciple isnotlimitedtophysicalaspectsbutalsoemphasisestheneedtoensurefulland harmoniousdevelopmentofthechild,includingatthespiritual,moralandsocial levels,whereeducationplaysakeyrole. TheprincipleiscrucialtotheimplementationofthewholeCRC.Forexample,early marriagethreatenstherightsofboththechildmotherandhernewbabytolifeand maximumsurvivalanddevelopment.Forallchildren,armedconflictposesathreatto therighttolife,whichcannotberevoked,evenintimesofemergency.Armedconflict canalsohaveadverseeffectsonthechildsmentalandspiritualdevelopmentaswell asforsurvivalifchildrenareseparatedfromtheirfamiliesorinjured.Abuse, exploitationandviolencealsothreatenchildsurvivalanddevelopment. Participation(therighttobeheard) Statespartiesshallassuretothechildwhoiscapableofforminghisorherownviews therighttoexpressthoseviewsfreelyinallmattersaffectingthechild,theviewsof thechildbeinggivendueweightinaccordancewiththeageandmaturityofthechild. Article12(1) Thisarticleunderlineschildrensstatusasindividualswithcivilandpoliticalhuman rights,andviewsandfeelingsoftheirown.Thesignificanceofthisarticleisthatthe childhastherighttoinfluencedecisionsaffectinghisorherlifethatchildrenshould beassuredtherighttoexpresstheirviewsfreely,butalsothattheyshouldbeheard andthattheirviewsbegivendueweight.Thisplacesanobligationonadultswhoare involvedindecisionmakingthataffectschildrentomakespacefortheirviews. Theprincipleofparticipation,forexample,canbegiveneffectinallasylum proceedings,whenchildrensviewsandfeelingsshouldbetakenseriously,including duringrefugeestatusdetermination.Participationbychildrenandyoungpeopleinthe activitiesoftherefugeeordisplacedcommunityisanotherwayinwhichStatesparties totheCRCcanfulfiltheirobligationtoguaranteeindividualpersonalityrightsto refugeeandotherdisplacedchildren. FormoreonthisissueseeFoundationmodule4Participationandinclusion. AgenderperspectiveontheCRC TheprincipleofnondiscriminationinArticle2specificallyincludesgenderasan aspectofdiscrimination.Statespartiesarerequiredtoactivelyprotectthechild againstgenderdiscrimination,includingpositiveactionandappropriateremedies.In itsremarksongovernmentreports,theCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildhas oftenexpressedconcernaboutgenderdiscrimination.Forinstance,thecommitteehas commentedon:
differentmarriageagesforgirlsandboys differentinheritancerights inadequateorcontradictorylegislation lackofmeasurestoaddressdiscriminatoryattitudesandpractices,especiallyharmful traditionalpracticessuchasfemalegenitalmutilation. Similarly,theprincipleofthechild'sbestinterests,Article3,issubjecttodifferent applicationonthebasisofgender.Wheretherearecompetingorconflictinghuman rightsinterests,forexamplewithinthefamilyorbetweenindividualchildren,thebest interestsofgirlsareoftenthefirsttobesacrificed.Forexample,twothirdsofchildren notreceivingabasiceducationaregirls.Wheneducationalresourcesareallocated, girls'schoolsusuallyreceivelessfundingandfewerscholarships.Inothercases,girls whomarrywhilechildrenceasetobegrantedthestatusandrightsofchildrenatall, theireducationislikelytobeinterrupted,andtheyoftenbearchildrenbeforetheir bodiesarephysicallymatureenough. Article6therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment,requiresgovernmentsto ensurethateverygirlandeveryboyhastherighttofulfilherorhispotential.This involvesensuringthatallchildrenhaveaccesstoadequatefood,education, healthcare,shelter,leisure,emotionalsupportandrespectandasafe,healthy, caring,stimulatinganddiverselearningenvironment.However,whereboysare valuedovergirls,unbalancedpopulationfiguresbygenderindicatethatgirlsare dying,eitherthroughprenatalsexselection,infanticide,orneglectduringearly infancy.Thosegirlswhosurvivetypicallyreceivelessfood,healthcare,education,and restandleisurethanboys,andexperiencegreaterthreatofviolence,bothinpublic andinthefamily.Whilechildsexualexploitationaffectsgirlsmorethanboys,itis importantnottolosesightoftheeffectsforbothgenders.Inmanysocietiesthereisa greatertabooplacedonthesexualexploitationofboys,whichmaymeanthat incidencesofabuseandexploitationareevenmoreunderreportedthantheyarefor girls. Article12,respectfortheviewsofthechild,alsohasanimportantgender dimensionsincegirlsarelessencouragedthanboystoparticipateinandlearnabout ...societieswiththeresultthattheyarenotofferedthesameopportunitiesasboysto takepartindecisionmakingprocesses(Beijingplatformforaction,paragraph265). Toenjoythisright,educationalandotherstrategiesareneededtoensuregirlsan equalrighttoparticipationandtorespectfortheirviews. ChildrensprotectionrightsundertheCRC Thegoalofchildprotectionistopromote,protectandfulfilchildrensrightsto protectionfromabuse,neglect,exploitationandviolence.SavetheChildrenhasdone ananalysisofkeyCRCarticlesrelatingtochildprotection(fromChildprotectionin emergencies:principles,prioritiesandpractices,2007). KeychildprotectionarticlesintheCRCare:
Article9 Article10 Article11
familyseparation familyreunificationacrossborders illicittransferofchildren
Article16
righttoprivacy,honourandreputation
Article19 protectionfromviolence,injury,abuse,neglect,maltreatmentor exploitation Article20 Article21 Article22 Article23 Article24 Article25 Article32 Article34 Article35 Article36 alternativecare adoption refugeechildren childrenwithdisabilities harmfulpractices periodicreviewofalternativecare economicexploitation sexualabuseandexploitation abduction,saleortraffickingofchildren otherformsofexploitation
Article37 juvenilejusticeandprotectionfromtortureorothercruel,inhumanor degradingtreatmentorpunishment Article38 Article39 Article40 protectioninarmedconflict recoveryandreintegration childreninconflictwiththelaw.
Articlesthatarenotprotectionrightsbutrepresentimportantapproachestosecuring childrensprotectionrightsinclude: Article5 Article7 Article18 Article26 Article27 supportfortheparent,extendedfamilyandcommunity birthregistrationandprotectionofidentity parentalresponsibility socialsecurity adequatestandardoflivingandsocialprotection education
Article28andArticle29 Article31
playandleisure.
OptionalprotocolstotheCRC Alarmedbythewidespreadinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflicts,aswellas increasingcommercialsexualexploitationofchildren,theinternationalcommunity soughttostrengthentheprotectionelementscontainedintheCRC. TwooptionalprotocolswereadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinMay2000,and enteredintoforcein2002.Thetwooptionalprotocolsrelatetotheinvolvementof childreninarmedconflictandthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchild pornography.
TheOptionalprotocolontheinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflict TheoptionalprotocolprovidesthatStatespartiesshalltakeallfeasiblemeasuresto ensurethatmembersoftheirarmedforcesundertheageof18yearsshallnottake partinhostilities(Article1),andthatpersonsundertheageof18yearsarenot compulsorilyrecruitedintotheirarmedforces(Article2).Itcontainsanabsolute prohibitionagainsttherecruitmentoruseunderanycircumstancesofchildrenwhoare lessthan18yearsoldbyarmedgroupsthataredistinctfromthearmedforcesofa State(Article4).TheprotocolamendsArticle38oftheCRCbyraisingtheminimum ageofvoluntaryrecruitment(Article3).Statesundertaketouseallfeasiblemeasures toprohibitandcriminaliseunderagerecruitmentanduseofchildrenassociatedwith armedforcesorarmedgroupsbynonStatearmedgroups(Article4). Itshouldbenotedthatvoluntaryrecruitmentofchildrenunder18yearsoldbyStates ispermissibleundertheprotocol.However,therecruitingStateauthoritiesare requiredtoputinplacesafeguardstoensurethattherecruitmentisvoluntary, undertakenwiththeinformedconsentoftheparentsandthatthechildrenwhoareso recruitedarerequestedtoproducesatisfactoryproofofagepriortotheirrecruitment. TheOptionalprotocolonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchild pornography TheoptionalprotocolcallsoneachStatepartytoproscribefully,undercriminalor penallaw,allactsandactivitiesinvolvingoffering,deliveringoraccepting,byany means,achildforthepurposeofsexualexploitation.Article2oftheprotocoldefines whatismeantbysaleofchildren,childprostitution,andchildpornography.The protocolalsoprohibitsthetransferofachild'sorgansforprofitandtheengagementof childreninforcedlabour.Statesundertaketocriminaliseanyactthatinvolves offering,obtaining,procuring,orprovidingachildforchildprostitution,regardlessof wheretheoffencetakesplaceandwhetherindividualsororganisedgroupsare responsibleforitscommission.Theprotocolstressestheimportanceofinternational cooperationtoapplytheprincipleofextraterritoriality,ie.thatnationalsofStates parties,committingasexualoffenceagainstchildreninanothercountry,canbe prosecutedintheirowncountry(Article4andArticle6).Theproduction,distribution, dissemination,importation,exportation,offer,saleorpossessionofchildpornography forsexualpurposesisalsocriminalised. InadditiontotheCRC,manyotherinternationalhumanrightsandhumanitarianlaw instrumentsprotecttherightsofchildren. Otherinternationallegalinstrumentsandhowtheyrelatetochildren Pleasenotethatinadditiontothesectionbelow,Topic2ofeachCriticalissue moduleoutlinestherelevantlegalstandardsthatapplytothatspecificissue. The1951Conventionrelatingtothestatusofrefugees The1951conventionandits1967protocolareapplicabletoallpersonswhoare refugeesasdefinedintheinstruments.Allpersonsclearlyincludeschildrenand adolescents.Ageistakenforgrantedwithrespecttothenondiscriminatory applicationofthearticlesintheconvention,andastheconventiondefinesarefugee regardlessofage,nospecialprovisionsforthestatusofrefugeechildrenexist. Childrenthushavearighttoseekasylumandobtainprotectionundertherefugee instruments,basedontheirownclaims.Inaddition,whenaccompaniedbyoneor
bothoftheirparentsorguardians,theymaybeaccordedderivativerefugeestatusas dependants,andthusbenefitfromtheneededprotection.Althoughderivativestatusis notrequiredunderanyarticleoftherefugeetreaties,Statesneverthelesssogrant statusinordertopromotefamilyunity.Asaresultofhavingbeengrantedthestatus ofrefugee,refugeechildrenbenefitfromtherightsaffordedtoallrefugeesasoutlined inrefugeelawandnationallaws.Theserightsinclude,forexample:
therightnottobereturnedtoterritorieswherethelifeorfreedomofthechildwould bethreatenedonaccountofherorhisrace,religion,nationality,membershipina particularsocialgrouporpoliticalopinion therighttothesametreatmentasaccordedtonationalswithrespecttoelementary education. UNHCRissuedaPolicyonrefugeechildrenin1993,andRefugeechildren:guidelines onprotectionandcarein1994.UNHCRsExecutiveCommitteehasalsoadopteda numberofconclusionsonrefugeechildrenandadolescentsin1987(Conclusion number47),in1989(Conclusionnumber59)andin1997(Conclusionnumber84), recommendingpoliciesandmeasurestobeadoptedbyStatestoenhancethe protectionofrefugeechildren.InOctober2007,UNHCRsExecutiveCommittee adoptedConclusionnumber107onchildrenatrisk,whichprovidesfurtherguidanceto improvetheprotectionofchildreninemergencies,includingrefugeechildren. TheGenevaconventions BetweenthefourthGenevaconvention,Protocol1andProtocol2,therearemorethan twentyprovisionsthatgivespecialprotectiontochildrenaffectedbyarmedconflict. Underinternationalhumanitarianlaw,bothduringinternationalandinternalarmed conflicts,childrenbenefitfromprotectionontwolevels:first,asmembersofthe civilianpopulationingeneral,andsecond,asavulnerablecategorydeservingspecific protection. Additionally,intermsofgeneralprinciples,Article77paragraph1ofProtocol1states thatchildrenaretobetheobjectofspecialrespectandshallbeprotectedagainstany formofindecentassault.Thepartiestotheconflictaretoprovidethemwiththecare andaidtheyrequire.Thisprotectionisunderstoodtobeapplicableforallchildren, withoutexception,whoarevictimsofinternationalarmedconflict.Notethatthesame protectionisaccordedbyArticle4.3ofProtocol2relatingtotheprotectionofvictims ofnoninternationalarmedconflicts. TheGuidingprinciplesoninternaldisplacement TheresponsibilityfortheprotectionofIDPsrestsfirstandforemostwithnational governmentsandlocalauthorities.Internallydisplacedchildrenareentitledtoenjoy thesamerightsandfreedomsundernationalandinternationallawastherestofthe countryscitizens.However,inreality,displacementwillgenerallyentaildeprivationof multiplerightsandofvitalservices.Incaseswheregovernmentsareunableor unwillingtomeettheneedsoftheirinternallydisplacedcitizens,international organisationshaveattimesassumedthisroleonanadhocbasis. TheGuidingprinciplesoninternaldisplacementareakeyreferenceforthoseworking onbehalfofdisplacedpersons.Theseprinciplesaddressallthreephasesof displacement:thenormsapplicablebeforeinternaldisplacementoccurs(protection againstarbitrarydisplacement),thosethatapplyinactualsituationsofdisplacement,
andthosethatapplytoreturnandreintegration.Theyconsolidateintoonedocument thelegalstandardsrelevanttotheinternallydisplaced,identifyingandfillinglegal gapsthathavebeenidentified. Theprinciplesareintendedtobemorallybindingandshouldprovideanauthoritative statementoftherightsandtheguidingresponsestotheplightoftheinternally displaced.ReferencecanalsobemadetoregionalinitiativesonIDPs:theAddisAbaba documentonrefugeesandforcedpopulationdisplacementsinAfricaof1994,andthe SanJosedeclarationonrefugeesanddisplacedpersonsalsoof1994.TheAfrican conventionontheprotectionandassistanceofinternallydisplacedpersonsinAfricais alsosettobeadoptedin2009.Theobjectivesoftheconventionareasfollows.
Promoteandstrengthenregionalandnationalmeasurestopreventormitigate, prohibitandeliminaterootcausesofinternaldisplacementaswellasprovidefor durablesolutions. Establishalegalframeworkforpreventinginternaldisplacement,wherepossible,and protectingandassistinginternallydisplacedpersonsinAfrica. Establishalegalframeworkforsolidarity,cooperation,promotionofdurablesolutions andmutualsupportbetweentheStatepartiestocombatdisplacementandaddressits consequences. SecurityCouncilresolutionsonchildrenandarmedconflict Since1999,theUNSecurityCouncilhasadoptedsevenresolutionsonchildrenand armedconflict.Theseresolutionscallonpartiestoconflicttorefrainfromrecruitingor usingchildren,toprepareconcreteandtimeboundactionplansforhaltingthe recruitmentanduseofchildrenandthreatensanctionsfornoncompliance.Resolution 1612(2005)authorisedtheestablishmentofamechanismformonitoringand reportingongraveviolationsofchildrensrights.Thismechanismwillbediscussedin moredetailinSection4. InternationalLabourOrganizationconvention182(1999) InternationalLabourOrganization(ILO)convention182dealswiththeworstformsof childlabour.ILOconvention182Article3definestheworstformsofchildlabouras:
childslavery thecommercialsexualexploitationofchildren useofchildrenforillegalactivities anyformofworkwhichislikelytocompromisethechildshealth,safetyormorals, includingchildrenassociatedwitharmedgroupsandforces. AllcountriesthatadoptILOconvention182areaccountableforthechildlabour practiceswithintheircountry.TheconventionrequiresthateachStateestablish effectivemeasuresthatprohibitandeliminatetheworstformsofchildlabour. RomestatuteoftheInternationalCriminalCourt(1998) TheInternationalCriminalCourt(ICC)isanimportantdeterrenttotheabusesagainst children,specificallytheconscription,enlistment,oruseinhostilitiesofchildrenunder theageof15years,whichisdefinedasawarcrimeintheICCstatute.Thestatute alsoincludesotherimportantmeasuresreflectingspecialconcernsofchildren:
recognisesintentionalattacksoneducationalinstitutionsasawarcrime providesspecialarrangementsforchildrenasvictimsandwitnesses exemptschildrenbelowtheageof18fromprosecutionbythecourt. Ultimately,theaimofthecourtisensuringthatthereisaccountabilityforcrimes perpetratedinarmedconflict,includingviolationsagainstchildren. Africancharteroftherightsandwelfareofthechild Thischarteristhefirstregionaltreatytoestablish18astheminimumageforall compulsorymilitaryrecruitmentandparticipationinhostilities.Itexplicitlyprohibits earlymarriages,andrequestsStatestotakeappropriatemeasurestoeliminate harmfulsocialandculturalpractices. Trainingmaterialforthissection Exercise1 Exercise2 Handout1 Handout2 Handout3 UsingtheCRCinemergencies Thelegalframeworkforspecialprotectionofchildreninemergencies TheCRC Scenarioandtasks Internationallegalstandards
Keylearningpoints
ChildrightsbasedapproachesusetheCRCasastartingpoint,particularlyitsfour generalprinciples,withtheaimofsecuringlongterm,measurableimpacton childrenslives. Childrightsbasedapproachescanandshouldbeappliedinemergencysettings. Inapplyingchildrightsbasedapproaches,itisimportanttotakealongterm perspectiveandunderstandthatchangemayonlyoccurgradually. Whatarechildrightsbasedapproaches? AdaptedfromGettingitrightforchildren:Apractitionersguidetochildrights programming.SavetheChildren,2007. Manyorganisationsaremovingtowardschildrightsbasedapproachesto development,butitisalsoimportanttoimplementtheminemergencycontexts. Similartohumanrightsbasedapproaches,thegoalofchildrightsbasedapproaches istherealisationofchildrensrights,withtheCRCasthekeyframeworkforachieving this.ChildrightsbasedapproachesincludeamoralorlegalobligationontheState and/orotherstatutorybodiestoprotectorassist.Manyrightshavedevelopedfrom needs,butarightsbasedapproachaddslegalandmoralobligationsand accountability.Equally,inarightsbasedapproach,theholdersoftherightsare encouragedandempoweredtoclaimtheirrights.Thismeansthattheyarenotseenas objectsofcharitybutratherthosewhoareclaimingtheirlegalentitlements. Thedefiningcharacteristicsofachildrightsbasedapproachareasfollows.
TheCRCisusedasaframework.Itprovideslegitimacy,areferencepointand opportunitiesforengagementwithitsmonitoringmechanisms. ThefourgeneralprinciplesoftheCRCconstituteafiltermechanismthroughoutan organisationswork.Theyfocusattentionon:issuesofdiscriminationtheviewsof childrenthemobilisationofresourcestoensurechildrenssurvivalanddevelopment anddecisionmakingprocessesthatmakechildrensbestinterestsaprimary consideration. Childrensperspectivesaresoughtrecognisingthemaspeoplewithdignityand evolvingcapacitiesthattheyareempoweredandassistedtospeakout,havetheir viewsheardandbecomeanintegralpartofprocessesofchange. Dutybearers,primarilytheState,areidentifiedandheldtoaccount. Attentionispaidtothemostmarginalised,thosewhoserightsarepresentlyleast assuredandrecognised. Theoverallgoalisameasurableimpactonthelivesofchildrenandtheirrights. Alongtermperspectiveistaken,necessitatingananalysisoftrends,opportunities andcapacities,whilealsoaddressingurgentandimmediaterightsviolations.
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section3 Childrightsbasedapproaches
Evidencebasedadvocacyisusedtoincreasethescaleofimpactonchildren,for example,throughreplication,policychangeorincreasedresourceallocation. Programmesoperateatalllevelsofsocietyensuringlinksfromoneleveltoanother inordertomaximiseimpact. Processesareparticipatory(withavarietyofstakeholders,includingchildrenand youngpeople)andempowering. Workisdoneinpartnerships(withforinstance,theState,civilsocietygroups, communities,theprivatesector)tobringaboutrealchangeforchildren. Whyarechildrightsbasedapproachesimportantinemergencies? Intheory,applyingachildrightsframeworkinanemergencyisnodifferentfrom doingsoinanyotherenvironment.Inreality,however,workinginemergenciesand heightenedinsecuritypresentsawholesetofadditionaloperationalchallengesand adaptedresponses.Infact,thesettingprovidesanadditionalurgencytoworkfroma childrightsframework.Fortunately,agrowingacceptanceoftherightsbased approachasgoodhumanitarianpracticehasemergedwithdonorsandagencies, puttinggreateremphasisonaccountability,participation,localcapacityandownership. Childrightsbasedapproachesshouldbeappliedinemergenciesfortworeasons:the internationalcommunity,throughaframeworkofrightsandprinciples,hasmandated thatchildrenshouldmaintaintheirfullrangeofrightsinallsituationsandthevalues andprinciplesthatunderpinchildrightsbasedapproachesrepresentgood humanitarianpractice. Applyingachildrightsbasedapproachinemergenciesisrootedinanumberof internationallyacceptedguidingframeworks.Theseinclude:
internationalhumanitarianlawandtheGenevaconventions refugeelaw internationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheUNcharterandtheCRC humanitarianstandards,including:
theCodeofconductfortheInternationalRedCrossandRedCrescentMovements andNGOsindisasterrelief(1994) theSphereProjecthumanitariancharterandminimumstandards theInteragencynetworkforeducationinemergenciesminimumstandardsfor educationinchroniccrisesandearlyreconstruction theParisprinciplesandguidelinesforchildrenassociatedwitharmedforcesor armedgroups theHumanitarianaccountabilityprojectminimumstandards
internationaltargets,includingtheMillenniumdevelopmentgoals. OnesuchframeworkstatesthatPersonsaffectedbydisastersshouldenjoythesame rightsandfreedomsunderhumanrightslawasothersintheircountryandnotbe discriminatedagainst. ProtectingpersonsaffectedbynaturaldisastersIASCOperationalguidelineson humanrightsandnaturaldisasters,2006
Otherframeworksstatethat:
childrenmustmaintainthefullrangeofrightsinallsituations,irrespectiveofwhothey are(asclearlystatedintheCRCandahostofotherinternationalhumanrights instrumentsandinternationalhumanitarianlaw) theserightsaremoreatriskofbeingviolated,leftunprotectedandunfulfilledthe morefragilethesituation dutybearersmustcontinuetomeettheirresponsibilitiesandobligationsinall situationsandinrelationtoallrights internationalconventions,chartersandprinciplesreinforcearightsbasedapproachin emergencies. Usingachildrightsbasedapproachforemergencyresponsealsorepresentsgood humanitarianpractice.Itcanensure:
impartiality protectionofchildrenagainstabusesofpower childrensparticipationaswellastheparticipationofotherbeneficiariesisencouraged themostvulnerablechildren,theirfamiliesandcommunitiesaretargeted collaborationwithandstrengtheningofcivilsociety,givingthisincreasingpriorityas thehumanitarianresponseprogresses,isrootedintheinitialanalysis(CRSA, emergencypreparednessplansandrapidassessment) theStateisheldtoaccounttomeetitsobligationstochildren,theirfamiliesand communities accountabilitytobeneficiariesandotherstakeholders,enablingtheirinputinto programmingresponseandtheirfeedbackonimpact. Forinformationonhowtoimplementchildrightsbasedapproachesinprogramming, seeFoundationmodule3Programmedesign. Rightsbasedapproachestochildreninconflictanddisasters takevariousforms
Belowaresomeexamplesofhowrightsbasedapproacheshavebeenappliedin emergencies. Workingwithcommunities ExperiencesfromPakistanafterthe2005earthquakeshowedthatactiveparticipation ofcommunitiesindefiningtheresponseanditsimplementationprocessimprovedboth itsqualityandspeed.
Communitiesareoftenthebestjudgeofprotectionneedsofchildrenandvulnerable families.Involvingtheminreliefoperationscanensuremaximumandsustainable protectionofvulnerablechildren.
Manyindigenoussocialstructuresareprotectiveofchildren.Withsomemotivationand support,thesestructurescanbemobilisedtoensureprotectionofchildrenwithout familiesoradultsupport. Lackofeconomicopportunitiesoftenforcesfamiliestoplacetheirchildreninrisky situations,arealitywhichisonlyexacerbatedinemergencies.Bylinkingchild protectioninitiativeswithlivelihoodsupportchildrencanbepreventedfromentering harmfulchildlabour. Lackofaccesstoschoolcoupledwithteachersabsenteeismkeepchildrenoutof school.Butmoreseriousisfamiliesattitudetowardschildrenseducation.Thisneeds tobeaddressedthroughmassivecommunitymobilisationcampaigns. InNepal,SavetheChildrensupportedtheestablishmentandcapacitybuildingof village(VCPC)anddistrictlevelchildprotectioncommittees(DCPC)duringthearmed conflict,andwasalsoamemberofthegovernmentledCentralChildWelfare Committee,whichdevelopmandatesforthelowerlevelchildprotectioncommittees. TheDCPCcoordinatedbothgovernmentandNGOresourcesinthedistrictandalso compiledstatisticsonchildrenatriskandreceivedreferralsfromtheVCPC.Thelatter identifiedinjuredandseparatedchildrenandtookmeasurestohelpthem.They approachedbothsidesintheconflictatalocallevelandappealedtothemtorespect therightsofchildren.Theycooperatedwithchildrensclubswhowerealsorepresented intheVCPC.Inthepostwarera,theVCPCarebecomingaformalpartofthenational system,andarealsoturningtheirattentiontoallformsofviolenceagainstchildren. InCotedIvoire,SavetheChildrenstrengthenedcommunitymechanismstotackle genderbasedviolenceinemergenciesthrough:
trainingcommunityselectedgenderbasedviolencefocalpointsandpeereducators providingcommunitysensitisationoncausesandconsequencesofGBV workingwithcommunitiestocreatereferralsystems. Whilesomevillageshavebeenmorereceptivethanothers,overalltheprogrammehas helpedtohighlighttheissueandprovokediscussion. Participation ChildrensclubsinSriLanka,Uganda,Nepal,Sudanandelsewhereoffermultiple examplesofprovidingaplatformforchildrensowninitiatives.Withthesupportof theirpeers,childrenhaveconfrontedarmedforcesonbothsidesonissuesof recruitment,safepassagetoschool,andschooloccupationbyforces.Theyhave solicitedhelpfortheirfamilies,spreadmessagesofpeaceandhelddiscussionsintheir villageswithadultsonissuessuchasalcoholabuseandviolence. ThereviewofSavetheChildrensresponsetothePakistanearthquakein2005 demonstratedthattheestablishmentofforumsforchildrensparticipationwhile respondingtoamassscaleemergencyreducedthetraumaticeffectofemergencyon children,rebuiltchildrensconfidenceintheirabilitiestotakeinitiativesforcommon good,ensuredquickidentificationofchildprotectionanddevelopmentneedsandgave accesstothemostmarginalisedchildrenandfamilies.
Nondiscrimination SavetheChildrenconstructedtoiletswithseatsandboltsthatweresuitedtothe heightofchildrenintemporarycampsandpermanentsheltersfallinginitspartners areaofoperationinIndia(post2004tsunami).Toilets,andaccesspathstothem, werealsowelllitsothatchildrenwouldnotbeafraidtousethem.Wherenecessary, toiletswerefixedwithrampsandotherinfrastructuresothatchildrenwithphysical disabilitiescouldusethem. ChildrenofillegalBurmesemigrantsintoThailanddidnothaveaccesstoformal educationevenbeforethe2004tsunami,whilesomedroppedoutposttsunami. Recognisingthis,GrassrootsHumanRightsEducation(GHRE)initiatedamigrant learningcentreproject.ChildrenwhohaveneverbeentoThaischools,aswellas thosewhoattendschoolirregularly,receivesupporttofacilitatetheirintegrationinto Thaischools.Childrenwhoparticipatedintheselearningcentresexpressedthatthey werelessintimidatedbyThaipeoplebecauseoftheirparticipation.However,notall Burmesemigrantboyscouldbepulledoutofchildlabourandbroughtbackintothe educationsystem.GHREisnowreachingouttoparentsofsuchchildrentopersuade themtoenrolthem. Capacitybuilding InJanuary2001,SavetheChildrenprovidedtheCongoleseArmys6thBrigadewith trainingfocussingontheCRC,internationallawandinternationalhumanitarianlaw prohibitingtherecruitmentofchildren,includingitsimpactonchildren.Thenumberof childrendemobilisedinSouthKivuthatmonthhadbeenfive,thereleasefigureforthe followingmonthwas68. InAceh,Indonesia,manychildrenwereseparatedfromtheirfamiliesbythetsunami inDecember2004.SavetheChildrensetupafamilytracingdatabasewithinthe MinistryofSocialServicesinAcehandsecondedstafftotheministrytohelpbuildits capacityinmanagingthecaseloads. Advocacy SavetheChildrenhasworkedcloselywiththeIvorianNationalChildProtection Commissiontoestablishanationalactionplanforpreventingandrespondingtochild abuse.Withtheagencysencouragement,thecommissiondecidedtolobbythe MinistryofCivilServiceandEmploymenttohirepsychologiststoworkwithabused childreninthecountryssocialwelfarecentres.Ifsuccessfulitwillrepresentthefirst timethatpsychologistsareincludedinCotedIvoirescivilservice. Workinginpartnership In2005inDarfur,UNICEFandHelpAgeconductedastudyon(amongothers)the relationshipbetweenelderlyandchildren,whichwasthestartingpointforamore programmaticcooperation.Traditionally,olderpeopleinDarfurwerehighlyesteemed byothermembersoftheircommunities,includingchildrenandyouth.Manyolder peoplestillhavesignificantcontactwithchildren,buttheirtraditionalrolehasbecome lessdominantinIDPcamps,leavingagrowinggapbetweenolderandyounger generations.ThroughthecooperationbetweenHelpAgeandUNICEF,elderlypeople becamemoreinvolvedinthechildfriendlyspacesandthenaturalrelationshipwas strengthened,ratherthanweakened.
Astheaboveexamplesdemonstrate,childrightsbasedapproachescanandshouldbe appliedinemergencies,astheycanleadtomoresustainableinterventionsandbetter programmingthatworkstowardsbuildingsocietiesthatacknowledgeandrespect childrensrights.However,itisimportanttopointoutthatchildrightsbased approachescannotmaketheimpossiblepossible.Theycanhelptomakegovernments moreaccountablebuttheremaystillbeissuesaroundlackofresourcesorpoliticalwill thathamperthefullrealisationofchildrensrights.Childrightsbasedapproachesare longterminterventionsthatshouldbeimplementedwiththeunderstandingthat resultsmaybeincremental. Trainingmaterialforthissection Exercise1 Handout1 Handout2 Exploringchildrightsbasedapproachesinemergencies Needscomparedwithrights Whychoosearightsbasedapproach?
Keylearningpoints
StatepartiestotheCRCareobligatedtoreportonprogresstheyvemadetowardsits implementation,whichcanprovideusefulmaterialforadvocacyorsituationanalysis forthosecountriesunderreview. ReportingtothecommitteeprovidesNGOsauniqueopportunitytobringconcerns aboutthestatusofchildrentotheinternationallegalbodyresponsibleformonitoring theimplementationoftheCRC. TheUNSecurityCouncilrespondstograveviolationsofchildrensrightsinarmed conflictsituations. CRCmonitoring TheinternationalsystemofhumanrightsincludesmechanismsforholdingStatesto accountfortheircommitments,andprovidingthemeansbywhichindividualscan raiseissuesabouttheirrights.Complaintsmechanismsareestablishedbyanumberof internationaltreaties,forexample,theInternationalcovenantoncivilandpolitical rights,andtheConventionfortheeliminationofallformsofdiscriminationagainst womenprovidesuchfacilities.Ratificationofahumanrightstreatyalsomeansthat theStateconsentstobeobligatedtoperiodicallyreportonprogressinrealisingthe rights. Althougheffortsareongoingtoestablishanindividualcomplaintsmechanismforthe CRC,thecurrentsystemofmonitoringofprogressinachievingchildrensrightsis foundinArticle44.ThroughtheofficeoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild (establishedunderArticle43)acountrysprogressinachievingitscommitmentsis subjectedtoperiodicscrutiny,albeitinasupportiveratherthanadversarialway.
Article44 1 Statespartiesundertaketosubmittothecommittee,throughtheSecretary GeneraloftheUN,reportsonthemeasurestheyhaveadoptedwhichgiveeffect totherightsrecognisedhereinandontheprogressmadeontheenjoymentof thoserights: a withintwoyearsoftheentryintoforceoftheconventionfortheStateparty concerned b thereaftereveryfiveyears. 2 Reportsmadeunderthepresentarticleshallindicatefactorsanddifficulties,if any,affectingthedegreeoffulfilmentoftheobligationsunderthepresent convention.Reportsshallalsocontainsufficientinformationtoprovidethe committeewithacomprehensiveunderstandingoftheimplementationofthe conventioninthecountryconcerned. 3 AStatepartywhichhassubmittedacomprehensiveinitialreporttothe committeeneednot,initssubsequentreportssubmittedinaccordancewith
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section4 TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring
paragraph1(b)ofthepresentarticle,repeatbasicinformationpreviously provided. 4 ThecommitteemayrequestfromStatespartiesfurtherinformationrelevantto theimplementationoftheconvention. 5 ThecommitteeshallsubmittotheGeneralAssembly,throughtheEconomicand SocialCouncil,everytwoyears,reportsonitsactivities. 6 Statespartiesshallmaketheirreportswidelyavailabletothepublicintheirown countries.
TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildproducedguidelinesin1996,whichhave beenupdatedin2005(CRC/C/58/Rev.129November2005),onhowtoconstruct initialandthenperiodicreports.Initsreviewofcountryreports,thecommitteeurges alllevelsofgovernmentto:
ensurealllegislationisfullycompatiblewiththeCRC developadetailed,comprehensivenationalstrategyoragendaforchildren,basedon theCRC developpermanentmechanismsingovernmenttoensureeffectivecoordination, monitoringandevaluationofimplementation ensurethatthereisasystematicprocessofchildimpactassessment carryoutadequatebudgetanalysisforchildren ensuresufficientdatacollectiononthestateofchildren ensureawarenessofchildrensrightsamongadultsandchildrenanddisseminate reportsundertheCRC promotecooperationandcoordinationwithcivilsocietyincludingprofessional associations,nongovernmentalorganisationsandchildren promoteinternationalcooperationinimplementation developindependentofficestopromotechildrensrights,childrensombudspersonsor commissionersforchildren. Reportstothecommitteeareorganisedintoeightclustersofrights.Thepresent guidelinesgroupthearticlesoftheCRCinclusterswithaviewtoassistingStates partiesinthepreparationoftheirreports.Thisapproachreflectstheholistic perspectiveonchildrensrightstakenbytheCRC,ie.thattheyareindivisibleand interrelatedandthatequalimportanceshouldbeattachedtoeachandeveryright recognisedtherein.
1 Generalmeasuresofimplementation Articles4,42,44(6) 2 Definitionofthechild Article1 3 Generalprinciples Articles2,3,6,12 4 Civilrightsandfreedoms Articles7,8,13,14,15,16,17,19,37(a) 5 Familyenvironmentandalternativecare Articles5,9,10,11,18,20,21,25, 27(4),39
6 Basichealthandwelfare Articles18,23,24,26,27 7 Education,leisureandculturalactivities Articles28,29,31 8 Specialprotectionmeasures Articles22,30,32,33,34,35,37,38,39,40 Thecommitteesguidancealsoincludesrecommendationsastoappropriate consultativeprocess(involvingchildrenaswellasadults,civilsocietyaswellasState, withprovisionfortechnicalreportsfromspecialistUNagencies),andrequirementsto publishandmakeknownthefindingsfromitsreview.Theprocessofsubmittinga reportanditshearingalsoallowsfornonStateactorstointeractwiththecommittee, boththroughthesubmissionofalternativeorsupplementaryreportsandalsoby meetingwiththecommitteebeforeitsinteractionwiththeState. ReportingtothecommitteeprovidesNGOsauniqueopportunitytobringconcerns aboutthestatusofchildrentotheinternationallegalbodyresponsibleformonitoring theimplementationoftheCRC.ReportingcanalsoempowernationalNGOsbyoffering alegitimateexternalsourcetowhichchildrensissuescanberaisedandaddressed.At nationallevel,thepreparationofanNGOreportencouragesandfacilitatespublic scrutinyofgovernmentalpoliciesandprovidesNGOswithawayinwhichtoinfluence theagendaofthecountry.Itopensadebateonthestatusofchildreninthecountry andcreatesanopportunitytohaveaseriousdialoguewithseniorgovernmentofficials abouttheStateseffortstocomplywiththeCRC. TheNGOgroupfortheCRChasdevelopedaGuidefornongovernmental organisationsreportingtotheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild(2006),which providesuptodateinformationontheproceduresfortheexaminationofreports submittedundertheCRCanditsoptionalprotocols.Theguideisavailableinseveral languagesandcanbeaccessedfromhttp://www.childrightsnet.org/ Thereportsthathavebeensubmittedbygovernments,andsupplementaryand alternativereportssubmittedbycivilsocietyprovideaquicksourceofinformationon theStatesprogressinachievingchildrensrights.ThesecanbeaccessedattheUNs treatybodydatabase(www.unhchr.ch)andtheChildRightsInformationNetwork (www.CRIN.org)websiterespectively. Monitoringandreportingongraveviolationsagainstchildreninarmed conflict MuchofthissectionisadaptedfromunpublishedmaterialdevelopedbyUNICEF. TheUNSecurityCouncilrespondstoviolationsofchildrensrightsinarmedconflict situationsandhasitasastandingthematicissueonitsagenda.Infact,itistheonly humanrightsissueonthecouncilsagendawithaspecialworkinggrouptoregularly reviewthesituation.UNSecurityCouncilresolution1612,adoptedin2005,authorised theimplementationofamechanismformonitoring,reportingonandholdingto accountarmedforcesandarmedgroupsresponsibleforgraveviolationsagainst childreninconflict.Themechanismmonitorssixgraveviolationsbygovernmentforces andnonStateactors,focusingespeciallyonrecruitingchildreninviolationof internationalinstruments,killingandmaimingofchildren,rapeandothersexual violencemostlycommittedagainstgirls,abductionandforceddisplacement,denialof humanitarianaccesstochildrenandattacksagainstschoolsandhospitals.Ultimately, thepurposeofthemonitoringandreportingmechanism(MRM)istoprevent,respond to,diminishandendgraveviolationsagainstchildrenbyarmedforcesorarmed
groupsinconflictsituationsandtoensureaccountabilityofperpetratorsthroughthe collectionoftimely,objective,accurateandreliableinformation. Resolution1612authorisedtheestablishmentofaworkinggroupcomprisedofall15 SecurityCouncilmembers,whoareresponsibleformonitoringtheimplementationof thisanditspreviousresolutionsonchildrenandarmedconflict. Thestructureofthemonitoringandreportingmechanism SecurityCouncil TheSecurityCouncilWorkingGrouponchildrenandarmedconflict(SCWGCAAC) meetsroughlyeveryothermonthandismandatedto:
reviewcountryreportsoftheMRM(generallytwocountriescoveredpersession) reviewprogressinthedevelopmentandimplementationofactionplans(asmentioned inResolution1539andResolution1612) makerecommendationstothefullSecurityCouncilonpossiblemeasurestopromote theprotectionofchildrenaffectedbyarmedconflict,includingrecommending appropriatemandatesforpeacekeepingmissionsandrecommendationsregarding partiestotheconflict addressrequeststootherbodieswithintheUNsystemforactiontosupportSecurity Councilresolution1612 considerotherrelevantinformationpresentedtoit. NYheadquarterslevel ThesteeringcommitteeonMRMiscomprisedofUNagencies,ledbytheOfficeofthe SpecialRepresentativeoftheSecretaryGeneralforchildrenaffectedbyarmedconflict (SRSGCAAC)andUNICEF:
developsguidelinesandothertoolstosupporttheimplementationoftheMRM providestechnicalsupporttotheincountrytaskforce reviewsandcommentsonreportsreceivedfromthefield assessesprogressontheimplementationoftheMRM. Countrylevel Thecountrytaskforceonmonitoringandreporting(MRMTF)ischairedbythehighest rankingUNauthorityinthecountry(generallyeithertheresidentcoordinatororthe specialrepresentativeoftheSecretaryGeneralifthereisapeacekeepingoperation). ItsdutiesincludemonitoringviolationsandreportingtotheOfficeoftheSRSGCAAC. ThespecificobjectivesoftheMRMare:
tocontributetotheanalysisofthesituationofchildrenandarmedconflict tofacilitateandtriggerlocal,national,regionalandinternationalresponses toassistinmainstreamingofsystematicapproachesandstrengtheningnetworksfor theprevention,monitoring,reportingandresponsetograveviolations toinformpolicydevelopmentandprogrammedesignforpreventionandresponse activities.
WhichcountriescanparticipateintheMRM?
SituationsontheSecurityCouncilworkplan TheSecurityCouncilWorkingGroupidentifiesthosecountriesexperiencingarmed conflictforwhichtheformalSecurityCouncilMRMmustbeimplemented,basedonthe situationslistedinAnnex1oftheannualSecretaryGeneralsreportonChildren affectedbyarmedconflictanddiscussestheparticipationwithStateswhosesituation islistedonAnnex2. TheSecurityCouncilinvitedallStatesaffectedbyarmedconflictwhichare experiencinggraveviolationsorchildrensrightsandprotectionsunderinternational 2 lawtovoluntarilyparticipateintheMRM. 13countriescurrentlyontheUNSecurityCouncillistandmandatedtoreport everytwomonths(asofSeptember2009) Afghanistan,Nepal,Burundi,Philippines,CentralAfricanRepublic,Somalia,Chad, Sudan,DemocraticRepublicofCongo,SriLanka,Irag,Uganda,Myanmar. CoteDIvoirehasbeendelistedbutstillreports. NoteontheSecurityCouncilworkplan
AnyUNcountryteamcanstartaMRMwithoutbeingontheworkplanoftheSecurity CouncilWorkingGroupifitdecidesthatitwouldbebeneficialtoprotectchildren againstgraveviolations. ThosecountriesimplementingaMRMthatarenotontheSecurityCouncilWorking Groupworkplancancontributeinputstotheglobalhorizontalnoteandwillnotsubmit aspecificannualcountryreport. Voluntarycountries(asofSeptember2009) Haiti,OccupiedPalestinianTerritory,Lebanon,Thailand. NGOparticipationintheMRM AtgloballevelINGOs:
collaborateondevelopmentofguidelines,trainingandannualcountryreports. Atcountrylevel: bothinternationalandnationalNGOsparticipateinmostMRMTFsaroundtheworld preventionandresponsetoviolations. TherearemanywaysthatinformationcollectedbytheMRMcanbeused.Some examplesare: 1612bimonthlyreportstotheSecurityCouncilWorkingGroup annualreportoftheSecretaryGeneralonchildrenandarmedconflict reportingtoEUcommitteeforchildrenaffectedbyarmedconflict feedintoCRCmonitoringcommitteeandothertreatybodies childprotectionnetworksatdistrict,national,regionalandgloballevel programmeresponses informsneedsanalysesandtheconsolidatedappealsprocess
informsgovernmentsandmultilateralentities informationtodonors inputstoregularchildandhumanrightsreports canprovideforevidencebasedadvocacywithStateandnonStateactors informsUNbodiesandotherinternationalorganisations. ChildrightsaremonitoredthroughboththereportingdonebyStatestothe CommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandreportstotheSecurityCouncilthroughthe MRMestablishedbyResolution1612.Bothmechanismsprovideconcretewaystohold States,astheprimarydutybearer,accountableforthecommitmentstheyvemadeto respect,protectandfulfiltherightsofthechild.TheMRMalsoseekstoholdarmed groupsaccountableforviolationsofchildrensrightsinarmedconflict. Trainingmaterialforthissection Exercise1 Exercise2 Handout1 Handout2 Handout3 Handout4 MonitoringandreportingtheCRC Quizonthemonitoringandreportingmechanism(MRM) Stateresponsibilityforrightsandreporting ThecycleofreportingtotheUNCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild TheCRCreportingprocess WhatdoyouknowabouttheMRM?
Endnotes
1 On10December2008,theGeneralAssemblyunanimouslyadoptedanoptional protocol(GAresolutionA/RES/63/117)totheInternationalcovenantoneconomic, socialandculturalrightswhichprovidesthecommitteecompetencetoreceiveand considerindividualcommunications.Theoptionalprotocolisnotyetinforce,asitwill beopenedforsignatureatasigningceremonyin2009. 2 Whatisinternationalhumanitarianlaw?ICRC www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/humanitarianlaw factsheet/$File/What_is_IHL.pdf 3 StatementbythepresidenttotheSecurityCouncil,28November2006.
Furtherreading
Internationallegalframework
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ Internationalcovenantoncivilandpoliticalrights Internationalcovenantoneconomic,socialandculturalrights UNSecurityCouncilresolutions: UNdocumentS/RES/1261SecurityCouncilresolution1261(1999) UNdocumentS/RES/1314SecurityCouncilresolution1314(2000) UNdocumentS/RES/1379SecurityCouncilresolution1379(2001) UNdocumentS/RES/1460SecurityCouncilresolution1460(2003) UNdocumentS/RES/1539SecurityCouncilresolution1539(2004) UNdocumentS/RES/1612SecurityCouncilresolution1612(2005)
UNdocumentS/RES/1674SecurityCouncilresolution1674(2006) Universaldeclarationofhumanrights UNConventionsontherightsofthechild TheAfricancharteroftherightsandwelfareofthechildOAUDoc.CAB/LEG/24.9/49 (1990) TheOptionalprotocolontheinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflictUNdocument A/RES/54/263(2000) TheOptionalprotocolonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography UNdocumentA/RES/54/263(2000) UNConventionontherightsofthechildUNdocumentA/44/49(1989) WorstformsofchildlabourconventionInternationalLabourOrganizationconvention 182(1999) TheGenevaconventions(1949) Convention1fortheameliorationoftheconditionofthewoundedandsickinarmed forcesinthefieldGeneva Convention2fortheameliorationoftheconditionofwounded,sickandshipwrecked membersofarmedforcesatseaGeneva Convention3relativetothetreatmentofprisonersofwarGeneva Convention4relativetotheprotectionofcivilianpersonsintimeofwarGeneva ThetwoadditionalprotocolstotheGenevaconventions(1977) ProtocoladditionaltotheGenevaconventionsof12August1949,andrelatingtothe protectionofvictimsofinternationalarmedconflictsProtocol1 ProtocoladditionaltotheGenevaconventionsof12August1949,andrelatingtothe protectionofvictimsofnoninternationalarmedconflictsProtocol2
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Furtherreading
Otherguidelines,principlesanddocuments
CommitteeontheRightsoftheChildgeneralguidelinesregardingtheformand contentofperiodicreportstobesubmittedbyStatespartiesunderArticle44, paragraph1(b).Adoptedbythecommitteeatitsthirtyninthsessionon3June2005 Conclusiononrefugeechildrenandadolescentsno.84(XLVIII)UNHCR,1997 DocumentEC/SCP/82UNHCRPolicyonrefugeechildrenUNHCR,1993 FinalreportA/51/306:TheUnitedNationsstudyontheimpactofarmedconflicton childrenMachelG,(expertoftheSecretaryGeneraloftheUN)MachelReport1996 GuidingprinciplesoninternaldisplacementUN,1998 Refugeechildren:guidelinesonprotectionandcareUNHCR,Geneva1994 UNICEFProgrammepolicyandproceduresmanual(PPPM)UNICEF,2007 Furtherreading AguidefornongovernmentalorganisationsreportingtotheCommitteeontheRights oftheChildtheNGOgroupfortheCRC,Geneva2006thirdedition Frequentlyaskedquestionsonahumanrightsbasedapproachtodevelopment cooperationOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights2006 http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/humanrights/toc/toc9.pdf GettingitrightforchildrenSavetheChildrenAlliance Thehumanrightsframeworkfordevelopment:sevenapproachesMarksSP,2003 TurningprinciplesintopracticePetrenAandHartR(editors)UNICEFROSAandSave theChildrenSweden,2002 UNCommonlearningpackageonhumanrightsbasedapproach(HRBA) http://www.undg.org/index.cfm?P=531 UNCommonunderstandingonrightsbasedapproachestodevelopment http://www.undg.org/archive_docs/6959The_Human_Rights_Based_Approach_to_Dev elopment_Cooperation_Towards_a_Common_Understanding_among_UN.pdf UNConventionontherightsofthechild:anInternationalSavetheChildrenAlliance trainingkitInternationalSavetheChildrenAlliance,London1997 UNHCRBestinterestsdeterminationguidelines Websites CommitteeontheRightsoftheChild http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/index.htm InternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross www.icrc.org (TheICRCsiteishelpfulforreferencingthehumanitarianprovisions,commentaryand detailoftheiractivitiesanddocumentsinthisarea.) OfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights www.ohchr.org (Providesinformationonkeyhumanrightstreaties,includingCRCobservations throughtheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild.)
Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Furtherreading
SpecialrepresentativeoftheSecretaryGeneralforchildrenandarmedconflict www.un.org/specialrep/childrenarmedconflict/fsoldiers.htm (Givesabriefexplanationonissuesofchildrenassociatedwitharmedforcesorarmed groupsalongwithahighlightontheoptionalprotocol.Alsomissionreportsand documentsdealingwithchildreninarmedconflictsingeneralandchildrenassociated witharmedforcesorarmedgroupsespecially.) UNICEF www.unicef.org (ProvidesdetailsoftheoptionalprotocoltotheCRContheinvolvementofchildrenin armedconflict,alongwithinformationontherecentlyadoptedSecurityCouncil resolution1314onchildrenandwar.)

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ARCresourcepack Studymaterial Foundationmodule2 Childrightsbasedapproaches

Thelegalframeworkforspecialprotectionofchildreninemergencies 29 TheCRC Scenarioandtasks Internationallegalstandards 29 29 29

ThecycleofreportingtotheUNCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild41 TheCRCreportingprocess WhatdoyouknowabouttheMRM? 41 41

Acknowledgements Thefollowingindividualsandorganisationscontributedtothedevelopmentofthe materialinthismodule.

OHCHR ICRC SavetheChildren

mosthumanrightstreaties,whichareconstructedtoprotecttheindividualsrights andinterestagainsttheStateanditsinterests.Nevertheless,theAfricancharteron humanandpeoplesrightsacknowledgesthecollectiverightstoeconomic,socialand culturaldevelopment,peaceandsecurityandasatisfactoryenvironment.

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

topreventandalleviatesuffering toprotectlifeandhealth,withdignityandattentiontothemostvulnerable toensurerespectforthehumanbeing.

Thehumanitarianimperativeimpliesarighttoreceivehumanitarianassistanceanda dutytoofferit.Italsoimpliesanoverallapproachtotheprotectionofrightsie.the respectofinternationalhumanitarianlawandhumanrights.

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

Investingtimeinunderstandingwhatarightishelpsdistinguishrightsfromneeds. Itsnotrightsorneeds,its: rights=needs+obligation+accountability

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section1 Introductiontorights

Trainingmaterialforthissection Exercise1 Exercise2 Developingaworkshopbillofrights Exploringparticipantsconfidenceinusingrightsbasedapproaches Scattergram Rightsandresponsibilitiesrelationship:Reincarnationisland Scenario

TheCRCanditsoptionalprotocolsofferthehigheststandardsofprotectionand assistanceforchildrenofanyinternationalinstrument. TheCRCisbasedonfourgeneralprinciples:

nondiscrimination thebestinterestsofthechild therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment therighttobeheard.

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

nondiscrimination thebestinterestsofthechild therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment therighttoparticipation (theprinciplesappearinaslidewiththismodule).

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Article9 Article10 Article11

familyseparation familyreunificationacrossborders illicittransferofchildren

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Article37 juvenilejusticeandprotectionfromtortureorothercruel,inhumanor degradingtreatmentorpunishment Article38 Article39 Article40 protectioninarmedconflict recoveryandreintegration childreninconflictwiththelaw.

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section2 Theconventionontherightsofthechild

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section3 Childrightsbasedapproaches

internationalhumanitarianlawandtheGenevaconventions refugeelaw internationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheUNcharterandtheCRC humanitarianstandards,including:

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section3 Childrightsbasedapproaches

Belowaresomeexamplesofhowrightsbasedapproacheshavebeenappliedin emergencies. Workingwithcommunities ExperiencesfromPakistanafterthe2005earthquakeshowedthatactiveparticipation ofcommunitiesindefiningtheresponseanditsimplementationprocessimprovedboth itsqualityandspeed.

Communitiesareoftenthebestjudgeofprotectionneedsofchildrenandvulnerable families.Involvingtheminreliefoperationscanensuremaximumandsustainable protectionofvulnerablechildren.

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section3 Childrightsbasedapproaches

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section3 Childrightsbasedapproaches

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section3 Childrightsbasedapproaches

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section4 TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring

TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildproducedguidelinesin1996,whichhave beenupdatedin2005(CRC/C/58/Rev.129November2005),onhowtoconstruct initialandthenperiodicreports.Initsreviewofcountryreports,thecommitteeurges alllevelsofgovernmentto:

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section4 TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section4 TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section4 TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring

Foundationmodule2Childrightsbasedapproaches Section4 TheCRCandchildrightsmonitoring

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