Children's Day - by Darylynn Starr Rank
November, 2004

Today I’m going to do a slightly different kind of column. I’m going to quote from the “Preamble” to a particular document. Bear with me. It’s a pretty spectacular document.

“Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…

“Recalling that, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations has proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care and assistance…

“Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality should grow up… in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding,

“Considering that the child should be fully prepared to live an individual life in society, and brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity,

“Bearing in mind that,as indicated in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, "the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care…

“Recognizing the importance of international co-operation for improving the living conditions of children in every country…
 
“Have agreed as follows…”

Then follows a seven-thousand-plus word document (with fifty-four Articles) called the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  The Convention was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the 20th of November, 1989.

I did say spectacular, didn’t I?

In 1993, the Government of Canada enacted Bill C-371, otherwise known as the “Child Day Act,” and designated November 20th of each year as a national day of the child in order to promote awareness in Canada of the Convention.
The Convention says that children must be given the opportunity to have a voice, must be protected from harm, and be provided with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.
It also acknowledges the key role of parents and families in the lives of children and young people.

Article one deals with the definition of a child (under eighteen). Article two states that no child should be discriminated against for any reason. 

Article three states that the best interests of the child should be the first consideration for any action concerning that child.

The best interests of the child.

Could any words be lovelier?

Just something to think about as November 20th draws near.

Take care all.

Darylynn Starr Rank (psychologist/writer) works part-time for Family Services of Greater Vancouver as a group facilitator. Her articles appear bi-weekly in The Record (New Westminster) and the Richmond Review.

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