Preserving the Dignity of Children Around the World: The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child
Author(s)
Melton, Gary B.
Abstract
The article details statements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, addressing respect for dignity; the “children first” principle; protection of personal integrity; protection from exploitation; consideration of cultural heritage; and rights to a family environment, to assistance when in the state’s care, to treatment, and to be heard. Both comprehensive and conceptually coherent, the Convention provides a statement of international consensus that children are indeed persons, legally and morally, and that the state should ensure that they are treated with dignity. At least in spirit, the Convention demands substantial reform of most existing child protection systems.
