Children have the right to protection

Cool Lifestyle Writer
All children have the right to protection. They have the right to life, to be safe, to belong, to be heard, to receive adequate care and to grow up in a protective environment.
A family is the first line of protection for children. Parents or other caregivers are responsible for building a protective and loving home environment. Schools and communities are responsible for building a safe and child-friendly environment outside the child’s home. In the family, school and community, children should be fully protected so they can survive, grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.

Millions of children are not fully protected. Many of them deal with violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, exclusion and or discrimination every day. Such violations limit their chances of surviving, growing, developing and pursuing their dreams.

Any child can be vulnerable to violations in many places, including the home.

However, governments, communities, local authorities and non-governmental organisations, including faith-based and community-based organisations, can help ensure that children grow up in a family environment.

They can make sure that schools and communities protect all children and prevent child maltreatment.

They can protect girls and boys from violations such as abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking and work in hazardous conditions, as well as harmful practices, including child marriage.

Girls and boys should be encouraged and supported to speak up for children’s rights and to take an active role in their own protection against abuse, violence, exploitation and discrimination.

Again a week ago there was a video on social media where a boy who was allegedly said to have stolen a loaf of bread was beaten like a snake. Was that fair for the boy and do parents ask before beating up children? Maybe there was a reason of which children need to be protected. Surprisingly some went further to take videos and pictures of the boy, leaving many questions about their motives.

Yes children have the right for protection and let’s give them that as they are the future.