Letter from a child, on Children's Rights Day

Today, November 20, is the Universal Children's Day and the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified in 1989 by 19 countries. Since its approval, childhood is considered, not only as an object of protection, but as a subject of full rights.

But even though all the children of the world have the same rights, regardless of race, sex, nationality, social origin or any other circumstance, disability or condition, minors are the most vulnerable group, and it is essential that responsible adults, the various institutions and the State, ensure their rights and happiness.

Miguel's story, and that of other children in the world

Right to have a name, nationality, housing and decent living conditions

"My name is Miguel, I am nine years old and I live in a quiet city in Spain. I live with my family in a house with a garden, and I even have a pet that I care for and play with! I'm lucky because I'm not missing anything. Every day I have hot food on the plate, clean clothes to wear and a family that loves me, protects me and educates me in values ​​such as equality, tolerance and respect for others and nature ".

Education rights

"I like to go to school by bicycle, accompanied by my older brother. So we exercise before starting the day! I study fourth grade in a public school, with teachers involved and careful facilities: I love my school!"

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Right to health care and to live in a healthy environment

"The other day I hurt myself playing soccer in the schoolyard, but my mother immediately took me to see my pediatrician and in a couple of days I was recovered. I trust him a lot because he is wonderful, he gives me peace of mind, he treats me very well, and every time I get sick, he heals me. "

"It's lucky have a quality and free health system, where in addition, my parents are informed of the preventive measures they must take with me so that they continue to grow healthy, strong, and avoid any accident "

"So, I have my vaccination schedule up to date to protect me from multiple diseases, I travel by car in an appropriate and approved retention system, my parents care about my nutrition, and I don't live exposed to harmful substances or contaminants".

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Right to play

"My parents say that It is very important that children play, because it contributes to our correct physical and intellectual development. I like to play soccer with my friends. Our team is called "The Best", and is formed by children with the same responsibilities and rights"

"But when I return home I also like to share leisure time with my brothers and my parents. Also, when the weekend comes there are always things to do: it is fortunate to live in a place with so many leisure alternatives for children ! "

Right to be protected from abandonment, and to be with your father and mother even if they do not live together

"But not all children can enjoy the same things as me, and sometimes it is not necessary to travel far to see how our rights are violated."

"Children who they live apart from their father, their mother or both, against their will and without this implying any benefit for them, but quite the opposite ".

"Children who cannot see one of their two parents on a regular basis, maintain contact with them, or even know their whereabouts. And all, against their wishes, without benefit to them and by decision of adults "

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Right to express their opinions and be respected for it

"I also know of children who don't have freedom to speak, comment, or express what they feel or think Between your family and surroundings. I imagine that these adults will think that since we are children, our opinions are useless, but according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we have the right to say what we think and to be respected for it."

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Right to be protected against physical and psychological abuse

"At school we are very aware of bullying, and teachers insist on the importance of reporting if we witness any kind of abuse, humiliation, or physical or psychological abuse of a classmate".

"No child should go through something like that, but unfortunately it happens, and many times it also occurs in the family, and I confess that it makes my hair stand on end to think that who else should protect a child, may become the one who harms him the most".

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Right of the disabled child to receive special care

"I also know children who suffer some kind of physical or intellectual disability, and apart from the common rights we all have, they have particular rights to their condition, which must be taken into account and protected ".

"So, I have known that my friend Jaime, who suffers from motor disability, has the right to live so that he can fend for himself and actively participate in society. And it is the State that must provide its parents and the school with all the necessary means to do so ".

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Right to protection against work, exploitation, child trafficking and participation in armed conflicts

"But the fact of living in a country and with a family that respects and protects my rights does not make me forget the millions of children in the world whose rights are violated every day, simply for being minors or even for being born a woman "

"Children who do not have time to play or rest because they flee from war and hunger, because they are physically and sexually exploited, or because they are forced to work and participate in armed conflicts. I also know children who are intimidated, humiliated and abused by their sexual condition, their way of thinking or their religious beliefs. Children who, in short, they are forced to grow too fast and without any protection".

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