In a few days, the month of November finally comes to a close and along with it, the end of this year’s National Children’s Month (NCM). While that may be so, the fight to protect the rights of children does not stop there. As many challenges are still left in this facet of development, the conclusion of this year’s NCM activities but marks another chapter in this ongoing battle for a better life for the Filipino children.
With the strong momentum from NCM, this is a good opportunity to once again restart this endeavor by reminding everyone of what these children’s rights are and their importance.
So, what exactly are children rights? Basically, children’s rights are entitlements and freedom inherent to children or granted them by law. They are essential for the proper development of a child as they serve to guarantee them acceptable standards for health, wellbeing, and safety of children.
To understand better, here are some examples of children’s rights (Idol Ko Si Nanay Module):
- Right to adequate food & clean water
While these are among the most basic rights, they are often one of the most neglected as can be seen in the number of cases of malnourished children. To prevent this, these rights have four aspects that need to be satisfied. They are the following:
- Food must be available- this means that there should be an adequate supply of food for the population.
- Food must be accessible – this means that people should be able to access or procure the food and water that they need by means producing it themselves or by purchasing them.
- Access to food must be stable and continuous: this means that supply and accessibility should be consistent for stable growth and nourishment.
- Food must be healthy: it is not enough that food and water are available. In an ideal scenario, they should also be clean and provide nourishment.
- Right to quality standard of health care
Simply put, this right guarantees that children have access to healthcare and ensures that it is of at the very least, of acceptable standards.
- Right to early child care
The rights of children start at conception. As such, this right begins from prenatal care and carries well over the child’s birth and growth, ensuring that they be born and raised well.
- Right to play
Children are not limited to their basic rights such as food, shelter, clothing, and education. They are also entitled the freedom to enjoy safe and wholesome recreational use of their leisure time.
- Right to be protected from neglect and abuse
This right not only protects children from physical harm but also mental and emotional neglect and abuse, allowing them to grow well in peace and develop into healthy and productive members of society.
While significant improvements have been made in the quest to protect children’s rights over the past few years, these are still not enough. Given the number of challenges that remain, coupled with the risks posed by the Covid 19 pandemic, there is much work to be done. And if significant progress is to be made, it is imperative that everyone joins together to confront the risks and dangers harming the interests and prospects of our future generation. bmd/rdp
https://www.makatimed.net.ph/news-and-exhibits/news/celebrating-national-childrens-month
https://www.slideshare.net/jericzabs/rights-of-a-child-philippines
https://www.humanium.org/en/food/
https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/child-rights-why-they-matter
