8.2.6 Youth Issues

Human rights and youth: Should young people have the same human rights as adults? Should they have greater rights? Children have different needs than adults have, but they have fewer powers and abilities to ensure their own rights are protected. They cannot vote, they generally have far less money than adults have, and because of their developing physical, mental, and emotional abilities, they are vulnerable to exploitation. In some nations, children are recruited as soldiers, sold into prostitution, or forced to do dangerous work for little or no pay. These activities limit their ability to grow and develop into fully functioning adults.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international instrument to establish full rights specifically for children. Prior to the establishment of this convention, children were considered to be possessions of either their parents or the state with no real rights of their own. In 1989, world leaders decided that children, defined as those less than 18 years, needed special care and protection.

The 54 articles and two Optional Protocols in the Convention identify basic human rights for children everywhere. The optional protocols deal with child soldiers and child pornography and/or prostitution. The four core principles are

1. non-discrimination
   
2. devotion to the best interests of the child
   
3. right to life, survival, and development
   
4. respect for the views of the child
   

By agreeing to undertake the obligations of the Convention, the countries of the world have promised to protect children's rights and act in the best interests of the child. They report periodically to the United Nations on the progress they have made in protecting the rights of children.

One hundred forty nations have signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Canada ratified it in 1991. The only world power not ratifying the convention is the United States, whose government believes the Convention erodes parental authority.

Youth, discrimination, and democracy: Even in our society in Canada, youth are discriminated against. In fact, discrimination based on age is the only legal form of discrimination. The ideas of young people are often dismissed as being uninformed or unimportant. When young people are not respected, they do not feel engaged in their own society or empowered to make changes. Only 22% of first time eligible voters turned out to vote in the last federal election- far fewer than older citizens. Nearly 80% of Canadians believe that young people are less likely to vote because they feel that their issues are not addressed and that they do not have a voice. This lack of empowerment is harmful to the effective functioning of a democracy.

Reflect

What can you do to protect the rights of children? In many parts of the world, you might be considered a child yourself. Still, everyone has a role in protecting the rights of children. To make sure this happens, you can consider the following actions:

• Raise awareness in your school or community.
  
• Start or join campaigns that promote and protect children's rights.
  
• Voice your concerns to government leaders, the media, and others in the community.
  
• Hold your national and local leaders accountable.
  
• Put pressure on your own government and those in other nations to fulfil their obligations in the best interests of children.