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Orphans - Thukela District Child Survival Project
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The rights of children, specifically orphans and vulnerable children.
Child rights
There are a growing number of orphaned and vulnerable children in our country. This is a new situation, a new context. Together with these children (some of whom are nearly young adults), we will have to creatively design a future that will benefit us all. We can then plan what actions we need to take in order to bring that future into existence. If we commit ourselves to address the new situation, we will find possibilities and a way forward.
The Rights of Children
Children are special people, who are growing up to be the leaders and members of the communities of the future. They need healthy bodies, minds and relationships. When we talk about these things, we often refer to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which our government has signed and promised to carry out. We talk about rights of children rather than their needs, although the two are related.
The rights of children can be grouped into 4 main categories:
Survival
- A right to life, so basic physical needs must be met: eg food and shelter, clothing and clean water
- A right to health care, and to treatment when ill or hurt
Protection
- A right to love, care and protection, so they can be safe and know that they are cared for
- A right to protection from abuse ( physical, psychological, social etc)
Development
- A right to education, and to develop skills and talents, including the right of older children to training and help in income generating projects
- The right to grow up to be responsible and caring citizens, and they need guidance and education from adults such as parents, care givers, guardians, other community members etc
- A right to play and recreation, and to participate in community activities (a right to a sense of identity and belonging)
Participation
- The right to participate in decisions that affect them (This does not mean that all children make all decisions for themselves, rather, that they be consulted about things that affect them. This is especially true for older children).
The full version of this document can be downloaded on the righthand side of this page
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