Category: Children’s Rights

Introduction

Amnesty International is an autonomous organization which is concerned with human rights all over the world. Its members work together to improve human rights in their regions. The Amnesty International movement was started in 1961, and it currently has 2.2 million members and supporters who are located within 150 countries. Where human rights have been violated, either physically or mentally, Amnesty International will initiate actions which demand justice for the victims. The members will use pressure through public demonstrations and direct lobbying to exert pressure on the governments and organizations that have violated human rights.

Human rights violations that the organization defends include and its not limited to; abolishing capital punishment, torturing of crime suspects, promotion of economic and cultural rights of the marginalized, protection of those who defend human rights, protection of refugees and asylum seekers and the rights of children and any other activities that may be considered to interfere with human rights (Amnesty International USA, 2010). There are various ways in which Amnesty protects children’s rights. This essay will emphasize on the role of Amnesty International as relating to children’s rights. The devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005 left a lot of damage to its victims. Most of these victims have had their human rights violated as they were left homeless and lacked basic needs which include proper health care and basic education for the children victims. This paper will discuss the role Amnesty International which is has been playing to retain human dignity to the Hurricane Katrina victims.

Amnesty International on Children’s Rights

Amnesty International advocates for fights against the children’s rights violations in various ways which includes; children soldiers, the right to education and prohibition of early marriages. Amnesty’s fighting for children’s rights is in the same line with UNICEF’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international legally binding instrument, which was ratified in 1989 specifically to support children’ rights, as it had been decided that children (under 18 years) needs special attention and they to had special human rights needs.

The Convention has four core principles which are; “non-discrimination, devotion to the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development and respect for the views of the child”. The Convention has set standards which are applied in the protection of the children’s rights. Education, health legal and civil issues are the services that are addressed in the standards set by the Convention. It is these children rights that Amnesty International supports and ensures that governments that have agreed and have ratified to the Convention actually follow on the Conventions requirements (Rourke & Boyer, 2010).

In this line and in support of the Convention Amnesty has set its own articles which are in support the UNICEF’s Convention requirements the Articles of Universal Declaration. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration stipulates that education should be availed for everyone and should be free for up to the elementary level (Amnesty International USA, 2010). According to Amnesty International, Education is important and is most essential as without it it would be almost impossible to realize the other human rights. In support of this the members fight against any actions that prevent children from being educated. Activities that prevent and interfere with children’s education are many and vary depending on the region.

In some regions children are forced to work. Therefore, they spend time laboring instead of attending to school. In other regions and especially in war torn regions children are forced to take arms and go to war. While, in other regions they have discriminatory behaviors which maybe based on race or gender. There are also cultural practices that interfere with a child’s chance to continue with learning. Such cultural practices include early forced marriages. Article 16 of the Universal Declaration stipulates that one has to fully consent in marriage and one has to be of full age in order to bind him/herself to marriage. This implies that Amnesty will assist in fighting and educating those cultures that interferes with children’s education prospects in any way.

Amnesty has been active in demanding that Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia should be forced to stop discriminating Romania children from getting education. Amnesty has also demanded that these countries should be active in promoting equality in children’s education. In Pakistan children have been held in prisons unfairly and Amnesty’s members have been campaigning for their freedom. Amnesty International is a member of the Coalition to stop use of Child Soldiers and as a member of this Coalition. Amnesty has been fighting to ensure that there would be no more recruitment of children as soldiers to fight in civil wars. Amnesty has also been demanding that those who have already been recruited should be taken back and returned to life as civilians to enjoy their childhood. One of the successes by Amnesty was getting Russian Federation to ratify a law that requires minimum age for new recruitments in their army would be 18 years. Amnesty was working together with Coalition to stop the use of Child Soldiers in this battle.

Amnesty International on Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina caused a lot of suffering, more than a thousand people died and millions of people were displaced. Hence, effects of the hurricane have been evidence of the destruction that occurs when governments fail to incorporate human rights in natural disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Article eight of the Universal Declaration stipulates that no one should be discriminated against despite of their race, religion or physical disability. According to a report by International Human Rights Law Clinic,(When Disaster Strikes a Human Rights analysis of the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricane) the United States government was accused of violating human rights and was also discriminatory in the response to the disaster. There were preexisting human rights conditions which made victims more vulnerable to disaster. Most of the victims of the hurricane were poor African American who is the residents of New Orleans. Even after the disaster the US government failed to adopt necessary measures that eased the victims return to their homes, that protected their property and that safeguarded their rights to shelter and safe healthy environment. Amnesty International USA has been at the forefront in fighting for the rights of those who were displaced. Amnesty International recognizes and supports the sentiments in the UN statement “Housing is a human right.

Healthcare is a human right. Justice is also a human right. Returning home is a human right”. Proper housing, food and clothing are basic needs which should be accessible to everybody. These are the basic rights that are in Article twenty five of the Universal Declaration. A report (UN Natural Disaster Human Rights in the Gulf Coast) details the seriousness of the human rights issues after Hurricane disaster. Accessing health has been an uphill task in New Orleans as most Charity Hospitals were closed down. Housing has been difficult as public houses have not been replaced and rebuilding new houses by individuals had been made difficult by handles in disbursement of funds (Inter-American Commission on the Human Rights, 2006). It’s after noting these violations that Amnesty International reported the Stafford Act, that guides the US disaster response has inadequacies and should be amended to include internal displacement and to bring it into the internationally required standards.

Amnesty International has outlined other recommendations to the US government on the measures that it should be taken to improve the human rights situation in New Orleans. In another report (The Right to Return) Amnesty International USA set recommendations to the US government that suggested long-term and durable solutions. The report recommended that; displaced people should be protected, should have access to public facilities, they can access employment and their right to get government assistance, that the displaced had access to humanitarian assistance, reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure and a separate governmental organization that would respond to disaster calls (Amnesty International USA, 2010).

Conclusion

The fight for adherence of human rights is far from being won. However, Amnesty International in conjunction with its members and notably with the UN has been successful in preventing human rights violations (UNICEF, 2010). International participation in the fight has been recognized and more specifically in stopping recruitment of children soldiers in more than one hundred countries. Amnesty International involvement is successful because of its involvement with other human rights organizations. The success of Amnesty can also be noted in educating people of human rights and in defending human rights defenders. Prisoners of war have been released all over the world such as in Guinea and Guantanamo. The death sentence has been banned in various countries for example in New Jersey and New Mexico (Amnesty International USA: Success stories).

References

1. Amnesty International USA. (2010). Human Rights and Poverty in the Gulf Coast: UN Natural Disaster.
2. Amnesty International USA. (2010). Success Stories.
3. Amnesty International USA. (2010). United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.
4. Inter-American Commission on the Human Rights. (2006). When Disaster Strikes A Human Rights Analysis of the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes.Web.
5. Rourke, J & Boyer, A. (2010). International Politics On The World Stage. New York: McGraw Hill
6. UNICEF. (2010). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Web.

Introduction

• Protecting children is the police’s responsibility.
• Preparing a pre-inspection project.
• Identifying potential risk areas.
• Determining the methods of communication with stakeholders.
• Assessing the principles of inspection.
• Preparing a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart.

To prepare the Abu-Dhabi police for inspection, a preliminary inspection project should be organized. Potential risks will be reviewed to determine the key areas of work. Identifying stakeholders and how to interact with them will help create a clear communication framework. Inspection principles will be identified, and a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart will be compiled.

Identifying Risks

• Vulnerable children are identified.
• Behavioral patterns are compared (“National Child Protection Inspection Programme,” 2020a).
• Different boards are engaged.
• Data about alleged offenses are collected (“National Child Protection Inspection Programme,” 2020b).
• Local statistics and reports are utilized.

Timely risk identification is imperative for the full protection of children by the police. Specific cases need to be identified based on local reports and statistical assessments. The real data of alleged offenses are to be compiled by utilizing various services. Based on this information, the characteristic behavioral patterns of abuse should be emphasized.

Risk Areas

• Children at risk of harm.
• Domestic abuse (“National Child Protection Inspections,” 2018).
• Child sexual exploitation (“National Child Protection Inspections,” 2018).
• The risks of parental neglect.
• Involvement in criminal activities.
• Guardianship issues (“National Child Protection Inspection Programme,” 2020b).

A number of risk areas deserve attention in the planned inspection project. Different categories of threats need to be considered, including domestic abuse, parental neglect, sexual exploitation, criminal involvement, and guardianship issues. Identifying risk situations is imperative to provide comprehensive assistance to the target audience and eliminate threats to the child population of the UAE.

Steps to Manage Risks

• Engaging different stakeholders.
• Allocating the necessary resources.
• Creating individual police units (“National Child Protection Inspections,” 2018).
• Building appropriate work algorithms.
• Maintaining collaboration with health and social services.
• Creating a stable reporting system.
• Timely responses to offenses.
• A vertical control system.
• Disseminating the information among communities.
• The systematization of the collected data.
• “Multi-agency risk assessment conferences” (“National Child Protection Inspections,” 2018, p. 10).

Determining the steps to effectively manage the aforementioned risks areas requires a variety of resources and adequate interventions. In addition to multiple stakeholders, such as health and social services, reasonable resource allocation, including control over the workforce, is needed. Individual police units should be created to carry out targeted work, and a stable reporting system should be maintained.

Risk management includes not only stakeholder engagement but also internal initiatives to apply in the Abu-Dhabi police departments. Special conferences and a vertical reporting system can help disseminate the information about children’s issues, and community education is a valuable initiative. The data collected during teamwork need to be systematized to get a comprehensive picture and have a rational background for making relevant steps.

Importance of Communication with Stakeholders

• Communication is a crucial measure.
• Different stakeholders provide distinctive data.
• “Interpreters, intermediaries, trusted mental health professionals” (“National Child Protection Inspection Programme,” 2020a, para. 15).
• Various areas are involved.
• Children’s safety is a collective task.

Communication with different stakeholders is an important aspect of the pre-inspection project under consideration. Interested parties from different fields have distinctive data that can provide a wide range of valuable knowledge. Moreover, ensuring the safety of children is not only the task of police units but also of other social services, including healthcare, education, and child legislation.

Methods of Communication with Stakeholders

• Providing children at risk with survey checklists (Featherstone et al., 2018).
• Organizing community meetings.
• Creating online communities on social media.
• Direct contact with social services.
• Request for statistical reports.
• Holding meetings with dysfunctional families.

To interact with various stakeholders, different methods can be used. Communication with vulnerable children and dysfunctional families can take place both individually and at community meetings. The dissemination of the necessary information on online sites, for instance, social media, is a potentially powerful mechanism. Interaction with social services through business correspondence and statistical data requests is a mandatory procedure to follow.

Evaluating/Auditing the Current Child Protection Standards

• Reviewing the current legislative framework.
• Checking officers’ theoretical preparedness.
• Analyzing the availability of the resource base.
• Control over the activities of ADP departments’ heads.
• The assessment of the results of targeted work over the past year.

A preliminary audit involves several important steps to be taken. Firstly, this is crucial to assess the preparedness of the officers and heads of ADP units and their knowledge of the legislative basis. The evaluation of the resource base should be carried out to identify potential gaps or deficiencies. To determine specific outcomes, the results of targeted work with the child population are to be analyzed over the past year, and specific indicators should be emphasized to be corrected in the future.

Work Breakdown Structure

The presented work breakdown structure (WBS) is a scheme reflecting all the necessary procedures to perform within the scope of the planned pre-inspection project. The three main activities (testing theoretical preparedness, checking the resource base availability, and control over ADP heads) are complemented by the accompanying tasks and the variables to assess.

Gantt Chart

The presented Gantt chart reflects the schedule of the key goals to be realized within the framework of the pre-inspection project under consideration. The aforementioned three main activities will be completed within six months prior to the start of the official inspection. To begin with, the theoretical training of the officers involved needs to be tested, and appropriate assessments will be performed at intervals of one month. In the second month, the analysis of the resource base needs to start, and this stage will last three months and will end with the inspection itself in the sixth month. Finally, control over the activities of ADP heads will take three months of due diligence in the middle of the entire period to train chief officers comprehensively.

Project Overview

• The planned project is the pre-inspection audit in ADP.
• The main goals include testing the units’ preparedness to working in the child protection area.
• Among the risks, one should identify domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, parental neglect, and some other threats.
• Engaging relevant stakeholders is a critical task to check the readiness to help the target population and join forces.
• Social services, healthcare boards, legislators, policymakers, and some other stakeholders may be engaged.
• Various methods of communication with interested parties may be applied, including real-time meetings and remote interaction.
• The main tasks to perform are testing officers’ theoretical preparedness, checking the resource base, and monitoring ADP heads’ activities.
• A work breakdown structure (WBS) and Gantt chart are convenient mechanisms to describe the stages of work and timeline.

References

Featherstone, A. M., Barnes, G., & O’Connor, D. (2018). Can police prioritize highest risks of harm among 6670 children exposed to domestic abuse?Cambridge Journal of Evidence-Based Policing, 2(3-4), 111-124. Web.

National Child Protection Inspections. (2018). Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. Web.

National Child Protection Inspection Programme – Assessment criteria. (2020a). Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. Web.

National Child Protection Inspection Programme – Child protection inspection methodology. (2020b). Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. Web.

Every country’s development depends on the hands of the youth. The children and their upbringing hold all the keys to prosperity. They are the base of any nation. In India, the base itself is prevented from solidification. Children are found working as laborers in construction buildings, factories, as servants in food stalls and houses. Begging itself is considered to be a $16000000 industry (Lamb, 2006). This is something to be concerned about. Making a movie like Slumdog Millionaire is not going to put the matter to an end. It only provides an ugly sight of India.

To get rid of these grave problems charity is not going to help. People need to be aware and a combined effort should be put in. That is exactly what CRY (Children Rights and You) is trying to do since 1979 and they have been quite successful so far. It is an organization formed by Mr. Rippan Kapoor and even after his death in 1994, it is still going strong. They do not believe in charity, they do not do street teaching campaigns or build up orphanages, etc. Instead, they help grassroots level NGOs to work with and for the children, their parents, and communities to make them aware, so that the problem could be totally uprooted rather than giving a vague effort (Waller, 2008).

CRY does not sympathize with children. They consider them as citizens who have their own rights but are just not aware of the rights. CRY works hard to make them aware so that they can fight for themselves. CRY also provides all the instruments as many as possible to support them in their battle. Here are a few examples of the gallant efforts of the Grassroots NGOs which are supported by CRY:

ADHAR – A Cry project, done in the Bolangir district of Orissa proved a great success as they fought against the issues of malnutrition and migration of children and ensured that poor pregnant women get proper healthcare.

“ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY” (Lamb, 2006) (APD) – Another CRY project, done in Kolar district of Karnataka where they addressed the issues abut disability of children, their care, prevention and raise awareness that they should not be treated as excluded from the society. They are not to sympathize but to be seen in equal light.

“ASSOCIATION FOR INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT” (Lamb, 2006) (AIRD) – This was one of the biggest campaigns of CRY. They fought for the rights of the Palmyra workers in Tamil Nadu to force the Government to waive off the ban from the toddy tapping and form a trade union for the workers. AIRD communicated with over 250 villages to support this movement and made them aware of their rights and motivated the 47000 workers to fight for their own rights which they were unaware of. With this united effort, they compelled the government to fulfill their demands.

ARAMBH – This program was once supported by CRY as well. It dealt with educational issues related to children in the slums and stopping child labor.

What makes CRY different from other institutions that fight for child rights is their massive success. They believe in the proper approach as the others could prove to be unethical and illegal and can ruin the whole cause and worsen the situation. So far they have covered 13089 villages across India, ensured a good future for more than 1500000 children, thousands of births were registered and ICDS centers revived, 315 villages are freed from child utilization, and lots more (Rennie, 2009).

The statistics speak for themselves and what makes it even more successful is the involvement of thousands of common people. Common masses are influenced through campaigns and made aware of the need. Hopefully, this mission will succeed and each and everyone would participate to strengthen the base of India and free the children from exploitation so that India sees a better tomorrow.

References

Lamb, D. (2006). The arch of Ethics. Auckland: TMB Press.

Rennie, B. (2009). Evaluating Welfare: A Best Practice Guide to Planning, Research and Evaluation. Wellington: IPL Press.

Waller, N. (2008). Consider Welfare: Theory, Readings, and Contemporary Issues. Delhi: Orient Longman.

Child protection basically refers to the welfare and safety of a child by protecting them from bodily, emotional, neglect and sexual abuse. According to UNICEF, 2006, child protection refers to prevention and response to violence, abuse, as well as exploitation against children. These include child trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, child labour, in addition to other destructive traditional practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and marriage of children.

Children are subjected to violation of their rights all over the world, but despite of the extent, very few incidences are reported and under-recognized impediments to child development and survival besides being violations to basic human rights.

The convention on the rights of the child (1989), candidly elaborates children’s fundamental rights as encompassing “the right to be protected from economic exploitation and harmful work, from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, and from physical or mental violence. The law also ensuring that children will not be separated from their family against their will” (UNICEF, 2006, P.1).

The development of the child protection system in the United Kingdom has been distorted by two factors namely; the impact of media reporting and the way in which celebrated child abuse tragedies have been handled. This essay is geared towards discussing both sides of the coin concerning the two factors mentioned earlier and possible solutions to save the situation.

There are various agencies charged with the responsibility of child protection, for instance in Wales and England, the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) gives statutory guidance to local authorities. In Northern Ireland, it is the department of health, social services, and public safety (DHSSPS) while in Scotland it is the Scottish government, which guides the local authorities.

These agencies have put in measures to ensure cooperation between the agencies through the safeguarding boards. For instance, in England and Wales, the local safeguarding children’s boards (LCSBs) guarantee that the main agencies charged with protecting children work efficiently and jointly in supporting and safeguarding children’s welfare locally (NSPCC, 2010, p.2). LSBCs are more effective as they replaced the non-statutory and core membership is outlined in the Children Act, 2004.

This body incorporates police, local authorities, and health bodies among others. In Northern Ireland, a multiagency ACPCs, (Area Child Protection Committees) is the central point for ensuring local cooperation to protect children who are specifically considered as facing a major harm. Currently reforms are underway to instill change in protection services that include establishing a statutory regional Safeguarding Board (SBNI).

In Scotland there are 30 local child protection committees (CPCs) charged with child protection systems in their relevant fields (NSPCC, 2010, p.4). They comprise representatives from diverse backgrounds like the police, local authorities, children services, voluntary sector, and health bodies. However, in Scotland no Safeguarding Boards have been introduced yet.

Looking at child protection in the UK at the local level, children’s services by local authority are in charge of planning and protection services for the children. In England, all children services’ authorities must have a children and a young people’s plan as per the Children Act 2004 in order to offer premeditated bearing to the entire services to children. They should also establish a trust for children that will oversee planning, commissioning, and adequate delivery of children’s services.

On 1 April 2010, a children’s trust board was established following a statutory direction. The director in charge of children’s services is proficiently answerable for services delivered by the children’s trust for example, social services, and education. In addition, an elected councilor is chosen as “lead member” for the services. The lea member, the director and LSCB are in charge of creating and putting into operation the child protection systems as well as policies for professionals who work with children (NSPCC, 2010, p.6).

Various laws that govern the child protection in the UK and this legislation paves way for prosecution of people accused of child harm or abuse. This legislation has been in existence since the 1880s; however, following a sequence of sophisticated deaths because of child abuse culminated into ensuing inquiries that have birthed the recent systems of child protection. A case in study is the first formal inquiry into a death of a child by the Curtis Committee in England, named Dennis O’Neill in 1945(Laming, 2003).

His foster father killed Dennis at the age of 12. However, Maria Colwell who died at the age of seven in 1973 is the wheel behind the founding of current child protection organization. There were further changes instigated by deaths of other children especially Jasmine Beckford who died at the age of four, in 1984(Laming, 2003).

Today, the legislative structure for child protection system in England and Wales is established in The Children Act 1989. In Northern Ireland the framework is instituted in the Children Order 1995, while in Scotland it is the Children Act (Scotland) 1995 (NSPCC, 2010, p.6). There have been several amendments to the Children Act 1989 following a legislation, which was fueled by the Lord Laming’s inquiry.

This was an inquiry into the death of an eight year old by the name of Victoria climbie back in 2000, which piloted the publishing of Every Child Matters (DfES, 2003) by the government (NSPCC, 2010, p.9). Later, the Children Act 2004 was established to provide a legal outline for the program. Although, it did not replace the Children Act 1989, it brought about radical changes to the system through which children’ services were planned in Wales and England: it became fully operational amid 2006 and 2008 (Munro, 2011).

The media in every society plays a great role in shaping the social aspect of that society. The media is a socialization agent whose importance cannot be overlooked. It changes the behavior of the people as well as their attitudes towards certain issues in the society.

Through the media, the aspects of the society that are inappropriate are easily demonstrated and therefore mechanisms of dealing with them come to place. When an issue becomes a highlight in the media it becomes a central focus for the whole society. This is the same impact that the media has on the child protection system in the U.K. The media reporting on child protection system have had both positive and negative effects. This has been evidenced in a number of child abuse cases reported before (Munro, 2011).

On a positive note, the media has been instrumental in enhancing awareness of the child protection issues, legal structures present in case of harm. They also expose cases where children have been exploited or abused. In addition, they advertise the toll free numbers in case of abuse as well as keeping all stakeholders like social workers and the government on their toes regarding children protection system.

It has informed on the need to report cases of child abuse and thus making it easier for the local authorities and the government to provide children protection services. To some extend it has steered public confidence in the UK protection system especially coverage on a successful delivery to an abused, exploited or neglected child. Through research and its extensive search for information, the media helps expose facts that are not available to the social workers or the local authorities (Galilee, 2007).

This can also be seen in the light of increased number of articles and journals tackling child abuse allowing increased coverage on the issues that concern child abuse. This information is valuable for the success of the child protection policy. The media also passes on very educational and helpful messages using adult fiction, children’s fiction as well as different features or editorials from the print and broadcast media (Ayre, 2001, p.880).

The media differentiates between normal and deviant behavior making it easy to understand child abuse. When some behaviors are exhibited, children may not be able to understand that it is wrong in the first place and that their rights are being violated. Through the media they can therefore differentiate what is abuse and what is not. On the same note, the media acts as a watchdog for the people to ensure that the provisions, for instance, of the Children Act are well adhered to.

It also reflects on the government and society’s failure in handling child abuse. The media will audaciously expose government’s failure in uncovering the death of an abused child. In addition, another child’s death resulting from abuse leads to revisiting of previous tragedies. This is good for holding everyone responsible (Goddard &Saunders, 2001).

However, various researchers have shown that media coverage on child protection in most instances does more harm than good. One of the key concerns is the portrayal of social workers and social work. Views from different individuals and researchers over the last thirty years have indicated that the media misrepresents social work and especially the press reporting by giving undue negative and biased reporting of social workers and social work.

Furthermore, a high percentage of reporting by the media on social work is on child welfare and abuse (Vallianatos, 2001). This has to some extend created hostility and mistrust towards the social workers as he service users feel that they are dealing with incompetent service providers. This further leads to a representative conclusion that the profession is unskilled in speaking to the outside world, moreover is equally apprehensive of journalists (Galilee, 2007).

An interesting feature is evidenced in relating the relationship between social work and newsworthiness. Most of the social work stories especially on child abuse are slow and generally do not meet the requirements of the news value. However, social work stories occupy headlines when there is a case of immense failure. For example in the Beckford inquiry as mush as the news qualified as news values, the image of social workers was put at stake (Elsley, 2010).

They were described as “naïve, susceptible, negligent, incompetent, and untrained besides being powerful, heartless bureaucrats” (Galilee, 2007). In the Cleveland sex abuse case the perspective on social workers were similarly described as incompetent and powerful bureaucrats. Additionally, they were depicted as indecisive when put together to handle a problem. The daily mirror on July, 6, 1988 described social workers for children as having “laid back attitude, lack of accountability, and being too easily susceptible to ‘trendy’ theories” (Galilee, 2007).

The case was also depicted as a dispute between the state’s dedication to look after children and parents’ responsibility to implement a corresponding paternalism. This has led to creation of mistrust in the system and deprofessionalization of social work.

During the three decades, other issues regarding the role of the media and child protection have also surfaced. It also emerged that melodramatic reporting of a string of fêted child exploitation and abuse scandals specifically in England and Wales led to continual denigration in the media of the child welfare organizations considered blameworthy for those children’s’ deaths. The media has contributed to the conception of a climate of distrust, blame and fear which is seemingly rife in the area of child protection.

This is indicative of destructive alterations introduced into the child protection system following the self-protective reactions of pertinent authorities both locally and nationally to the mass media ambush (Ayre, 2001, p.881).

Despite the efforts to use more resources to enhance the intricacy, scope, and legislation of the child protection law, the public confidence has remained obstinately and frighteningly low. This is because of media coverage and handling of the previous tragedies. Those celebrated scandals called for a lot of public attention and increased response in both the broadcast and print media. Whereas this awareness created by the coverage had the potential to have a positive effect on child protection system; it did exactly the opposite.

This is because there emerged antagonistic public pillorying in the media over the child agencies involved (Ayre & Preston, 2010). There was also the publication of the in-depth recommendations following the involvement of the public inquiries into the cases made to the welfare agencies. A climate of blame has also prevailed to this effect. Either this is clearly evidenced in media reporting where it is the government or the child abuse professionals are to blame who turn the blame to the family. This has created more tension working against the protection system.

The urge for the journalists to sell news has driven them into constructing news with immediacy and tailoring drama in order to sell. This has led to a climate of fear, for example there is more coverage on sex abuse scandals. The media portrays sex abuse as coming from unknown assailants and not someone familiar to the child (Goddard &Saunders, 2001).

Moral panic therefore results from overdramatizing these activities to extreme events of sex rings, murder, and abduction of children into care by the social workers and thus over-sensitizing the underlying risks. This fear also extends to not only the public, but also the professional groups and policy makers (Ayre, 2001, p. 885).

Media coverage on child abuse or protection create a mistrust between the public, policy makers and politicians on one side and professionals dealing with child protection on the other. Substantial anxiety is brought forth in relationships through the adversarial nature of child protection system. Severally, child protection professionals have been described as “child stealers who steal sleeping children at night” in the media (Vallianatos, 2001).

They are seen as trusting individual with very liberal working ethics. This has worsened public confidence in the protection system. It is common knowledge that in the media “good news is no news” therefore there is no much regard is granted to the everyday successes of the agencies and the protecting system after a successful detection of abuse, and prevention of fatal injuries or even death.

The focus is to dwell on the failures in order to “produce” news. Although its not only the media will want to display a better image of child protection, those in the child welfare profession want a better image too.

Media reporting and the way previous cases on child abuse and resulting deaths has great an impact on the success of the child protection system in the United Kingdom. This has proven to be a tough fight for the government to win given the public perception, attitudes, and lack of confidence in the system.

The government has tried to deal with the previous cases with a considerable gravity (Boateng, 2003), for instance in Victoria Climbie’s case several changes were introduced in the legislation system better protection for the children.

This was also evidenced in the handling cases of Maria Colwel and Jasmine Beckford; which saw major changes on the Children Act 1989. Despite these measures the blame and lack of confidence still lurks. There is a need to understand that this is not entirely and exclusively the responsibility of the government and social workers (Parton, et.al 1997).

A more feasible solution to these perceptions is the need to emphasize that the family has the greatest role to play in child protection. The family comes in by primarily preventing the abuse and exploitation of children right under their noses, in their homes. Previous research and past cases indicate that close family members and neighbors perpetrate child abuse. As the primary socializing agent, the family has the responsibility of instilling the right morals on its members and teaching them what to do if abused even when the parents are not around.

They should also teach children to check out for early signs of any abuse. The family can also support the protection system by supporting the social workers when required to give any information regarding child welfare. They should also change the underlying perceptions as mapped by the media (Tunstill & Hughes 2006).

Social workers should change the way they handle the media concerning child abuse. There has been a “somewhat” a cold war between the two parties. As much as the media might misrepresent their work, they are not able to face the public (Colton, et.al, 2001). The media on the other hand should respect ethics governing their work and keep away from tailoring news to sell more and in the process creating fear, blame and mistrust among the public.

The media should also give information, which is not exaggerated and unnecessary emphasis on the failure of various stakeholders in this regard. It should stop overemphasizing on strangers or outsiders as the main perpetrators of violence, abuse against the children, and let them understand that people around them even among family members and friends can violate their rights (Ayre & Preston, 2010).

The government on the other hand should ensure that it enhances the image of the protection system. Its legislations should be geared towards enhancing the welfare of the children and not otherwise. For example, the NHS bill passed recently is set to jeopardise the child protection especially if misinterpreted.

Finally, the media, child abuse professionals, and the government should all avoid using child protection as means of enhancing their image at the expense of the children (Hetal, 2010). In addition, child protection should not be driven by the urge to get funding.

Reference List

Ayre, P. 2001, “Child protection and the media: lessons from the last three decades”, British journal of social work, vol. 31 no.1, pp. 887-901.

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Elsley, S. 2010, Media Coverage of Child Deaths in the UK: The impact of Baby P: A Case for Influence? Briefing No 8, Centre for UK-wide Learning in Child Protection, University of Edinburgh, London.

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Introduction

Every child needs comprehensive support from the state and society. That is why it is crucial to study and place great emphasis on the protection of the rights of this demographic. This is especially true of providing satisfactory conditions for a good life. In this paper, two scholarly articles on the topic of children’s rights will be analyzed. Their study will help to gain more in-depth knowledge about the rights of minors and determine which of the studies can have a more effective contribution to the development of this area of society.

The first article under research by Kutsar et al. (2019) is called “Does the Realization of Children’s Rights Determine Good Life in 8-Year-Olds’ Perspectives?”. In this paper, the authors compare the rights of juveniles and their realization in eight European countries. The main task is to consider how the established procedures at the legislative level are used in practice since, in many cases, the problem of their reflection is noted.

To understand the topic better, the authors resorted to studying the point of view of the subjects of the rights themselves and their ideas about them. The study examines the relationship between indicators of subjective well-being within the framework of rights and subjective perception of a satisfying and acceptable life (Kutsar et al., 2019). To investigate this aspect, eight-year-old children were involved. The study reveals that the most significant aspects of children’s rights are care and a sense of security (Kutsar et al., 2019). Moreover, participation and non-discrimination, together with other factors, determine a satisfying life in most countries.

The article by Vogt et al. (2016) titled “Human Rights Dimensions of Food, Health and Care in Children’s Homes in Kampala” considers the observance of the rights of minors in Uganda. In this country, the state follows international law to ensure such human rights as adequate nutrition, health care, and protection for the underage part of the population (Vogt et al., 2016). The article pursues two main goals, which are to analyze the attitudes and views of adolescents, especially girls, on topics such as nutrition, health, and care. The second goal is to study whether the conditions organized in orphanages correspond to the basic postulates of legislation on children’s rights.

The selected indicators in children’s organizations varied greatly, and some showed utterly unsatisfactory results. Thus, the authors emphasize the importance of changing the state of affairs in relation to the provision of due care and health in orphanages in Uganda.

Methodological analysis

As already mentioned, the implementation of the rights of minors may not always be supported by successful results in practice. In many countries, some aspects of this legislation are either overlooked or not fully realized, and the focus is only on some of them. Addressing the subject of this right directly can give a large amount of valuable knowledge and will help to form an understanding of the areas suffering the most. In a study by Kumar et al. (2019), a bottom-up approach was implemented using three leading indicators – family, school, and friends. Moreover, researchers emphasize that “the rights of the child enable the child to be seen and heard and to be an active participant in society” (Kumar et al., 2019, p. 5). These indicators were selected as representatives of such fundamental rights of children as protection and participation.

The main problem of modern society is that there is some detachment from the opinion of minors when it comes to their rights. Moreover, when considering this aspect, it is necessary to take into account the social and cultural context since they vary in different countries. The study was based on data obtained during the second wave of the Children’s World: International Child Welfare Review (Kumar et al., 2019). Thus, the paper is a mixed study that used a survey of eight-year-olds as a sample population on the topic of satisfaction with their lives to collect the necessary information. The children evaluated various indicators of a good life, and then the researchers calculated the results.

An interesting aspect of the study is the revision of the chosen bottom-up strategy. The authors note that in the end, the basis of this approach in the paper was built without the participation of children. This reduces the coefficient of the practical component of the study and the prevalence of theoretical data on the problem of nutrition, protection, and care of minors. Another limitation in the scientific work was the choice of three indicators (family, school, friends). Thus, the choice in the study was limited by the variables used in the questionnaire and the type of scale (Kumar et al., 2019). Thus, the authors claim that their work is not a complete reflection of the rights of minors approved by the UN. At the same time, despite such restrictions, the article considers the most valuable components of children’s rights.

The study was also hampered by the fact that minors’ responses did not give an adequate distribution, as they were distorted to the positive extreme. This study cannot be called fully justified because even though it is based on the implementation of several information analysis tools, it does not give a full understanding of the problem. Despite this, if we consider the methodological side of the work, the authors conducted a complete study on the aspects they selected. Moreover, it provides an objective ontology, a positivist epistemology, and an effective quantitative methodology as it ensures the maintenance of an established hypothesis.

Uganda is characterized as a country with a growing birth rate every year. Despite the positive indicator, more and more parents leave their children, and they go to specialized homes for minors. In such institutions, the observance of children’s rights is the main task and goal. However, many sources note that residents of orphanages suffer from a lack of nutrition, guardianship, and protection. Thus, a thorough study of this problem is necessary to improve the situation in the country.

Furthermore, in the article by Vogt et al., special attention is paid to the situation with the provision and observance of the rights of underage girls. This is because, in Uganda, these representatives of society are considered especially valuable since it is important for the state to create a positive trend for infertility and preserve women’s health. At the same time, researchers claim that “more than 65 % of children lack qualified human resources, over 50 % have inadequate childcare provisions, and only 20 % have a child protection policy” (Vogt et al., 2016).

For this reason, many juveniles in the country suffer from a lack of necessary resources and an absence of realization of their rights. As a normative structure, UNICEF’s conceptual framework was implemented. It was used to determine the causes and consequences of malnutrition in specialized institutions for abandoned children. It is noted that the right to adequate nutrition and free access to resources is a critical aspect of the observance of the rights of minors.

The right choice of tools and methods for analyzing information and suggesting practical solutions is of paramount importance. Thus, in order to comply with the normativity of scientific work in this article, the authors chose the use of a human rights-based approach. Vogt et al. (2016, p. 5) highlight that “the human rights principles that guided the study were non-discrimination, participation, empowerment, and human dignity applied to the adolescents as rightsholders.” This is a qualitative study since, in its process, researchers analyzed the focus groups of teenage girls in orphanages. The information that was obtained was based on surveys on nutrition, protection, and care, which were subsequently compared with established standards for the protection of children’s rights in Uganda.

All ethical components were observed since, before starting work, a written agreement was received from the heads of organizations for abandoned children. This study is well-founded and complies with methodological standards, as it took into account all the necessary aspects of its implementation. Moreover, it received extensive and reliable information, as it was based on interaction with direct subjects of law.

As in the previous study, the authors note that it is necessary to directly involve children in the transformation of attitudes and the realization of their rights. Furthermore, the feedback of minors on this topic will help to create more effective ways to solve the problem. However, it is noted that in the course of this study, an insufficient amount of important information on nutrition and eating habits among Ugandan children was found. Hence, the main limitation was the analysis of the adolescent group. Therefore, the authors note the need to involve those who provide childcare services in order to get a complete picture of the problem under study.

Conclusion

Therefore, the realization and establishment of the rights of minors should become the prerogative of all governing and legislative bodies of all countries. It is also worth noting that in this process, parents replacing their faces is of particular importance. However, at the moment, many children remain without proper guardianship and end up in orphanages. In particular, this problem is acute in underdeveloped countries. Therefore, the ever-increasing number of abandoned minors is one of the most pressing problems in Uganda.

The article “Human Rights Dimensions of Food, Health and Care in Children’s Homes in Kampala” by Vogt et al. examines the problem of the non-observance of children’s rights in specialized institutions. The authors emphasize that such aspects as nutrition, care, and protection are the most critical. The effectiveness of this research lies in the fact that it has excellent potential for further scientific work in this field. Methodologically satisfactory, it provides an extensive amount of helpful information that can also be used to develop strategies to change the situation of children’s rights in the country.

Despite the fact that the study “Does the Realization of Children’s Rights Determine Good Life in 8-Year-Olds’ Perspectives?” by Kutsar et al. uses a mixed approach, which can be considered as more successful, it gives way to the work of Vogt et al. This is due to the fact that despite the knowledge gained, scientific work was limited to the selected indicators. However, it cannot be called insufficient, as it shows accurate data on the topic of children’s rights in various countries. A positive aspect of this study can also be considered direct interaction with legal entities. This makes it possible to gain knowledge from the original source and determine the direction vector of the necessary changes.

References

Kutsar, D., Soo, K., Strózik, T., Strózik, D., Grigoraș, B., & Bălțătescu, S. (2019). Does the realisation of children’s rights determine good life in 8-year-olds’ perspectives? A comparison of eight European countries. Child Indicators Research, 12(1), 161-183. Web.

Vogt, L. E., Rukooko, B., Iversen, P. O., & Eide, W. B. (2016). Human rights dimensions of food, health and care in children’s homes in Kampala, Uganda- A qualitative study. BMC International Health and Human Rights, 16(1), 1-15. Web.

If there is a suspicion that the child is being harmed or is a victim of abuse or direct evidence of such activity, it is necessary to take measures as soon as possible. However, it is also essential that such actions are carried out deliberately, without haste and following instructions and legislation. Otherwise, the situation may not only not be resolved but even worsened. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the available documentation and display a specific list of actions if a threat to the child is identified.

First of all, all actions taken must be consistent with the existing legislation. In the United Kingdom context, the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) is the governing body for most of these activities. Although not the most prominent child protection body, the LSCB is an inter-ministerial body present in every government (“Local safeguarding children boards,” n.d.). This body’s effectiveness is supported by interaction with the Director of Children’s Services, which sets the general line of conduct and the ability to work on children’s problems on a smaller scale, focusing on a specific area. Each LSCB has its guidelines that help professionals deliver child protection services more efficiently with helpful contact details. For example, the London LSCB updates the guidelines for social protection workers every six months, dividing them into basic procedures and practical approaches, as well as providing contact details for communication (“London child protection procedures,” 2020). Therefore, the first step in dealing with a potentially dangerous situation for the child is to check against the specific area’s current guidelines.

Besides, to know and understand the guidelines for action, each specialist must strictly know their rights and responsibilities for their activities’ most effective performance. While the specific list may differ from place to place, there is a general example of what skills a child protector should have and what activities he should perform. The main qualities are experience in working with children, interest in ensuring their welfare, the ability to listen and find compromises, as well as to make judgments in difficult situations (“Roles and responsibilities,” n.d.). However, in the modern context, it is necessary to pay attention to the basic principles and transform them according to technological progress.

In this regard, it is incredibly relevant to consider the child protection policy in media and online interactions. Unfortunately, on the Internet, children can be exposed to content that they should not see for one reason or another. Therefore, it is the child advocate’s responsibility in this context to create a safe environment for interaction by maintaining the privacy of conversations, using authorized accounts, and an age-appropriate language (“Social media and online safety,” 2020). Communication on the Internet can be challenging due to many different factors, such as slang, so a social worker must be familiar with most of the current modern trends to establish reliable contact with children.

Either way, a child protection officer’s primary purpose should be safeguarding children’s protection and welfare. To implement these tasks with maximum efficiency, it is necessary to turn to additional sources, as indicated above. They can be both direct targeting and general overviews of the system, providing general guidance and information regarding work in this area. For example, in addition to solving practical problems, Tickell (2011) advises all specialists to raise awareness of the society about existing issues, drawing attention to urgent matters. Naturally, ensuring the child’s safety is the most crucial task. However, society’s problems must be solved in dangerous situations and by taking systemic preventive measures. These actions are also part of the responsibilities of a specialist in this area. Thus, the child protection officer must act following general and local laws, be clear about their roles, and use existing guidelines to address the challenges they face, both direct and virtual.

References

Local safeguarding children boards. (n.d.). Citizens Advice. 2021, Web.

Roles and responsibilities. (n.d.). Orkney Islands Council. 2021, Web.

Social media and online safety. (2020). NSPCC Learning. Web.

Tickell, D. C. (2011) The early years: Foundations for life, health and learning. Department for Education. Web.

London child protection procedures and practice guidance (2020). London Child Protection Procedures. Web.

Introduction

Children are human only that they are young beings. In this respect, children too have a moral status; some acts should not be done to them. Again, children are distinct from grown human beings it is reasonable to argue that children should not be subjected to some activities. For instance, as in many jurisdictions, children are not permitted to take alcohol, vote, engage in sex, marry or work for pay.

Children Rights

Generally, children are accorded legal rights in most countries. Most of the nations – except the United States – are bound by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The convention which was assumed in 1980, gives children several rights such as the right to serve their “best interests” as the “primary consideration”, “inherent right to life”, and for those can form their own opinions “to express these views freely in all matters affecting” them.” (United Nations, 1989). The “positive rights” that are protected by the law are distinct from the “moral rights” defined by the moral philosophy. Therefore, the fact that children are protected by the law under these positive rights does not satisfy the need for moral rights. Certainly, the concept of rights to children has elicited controversy. Simultaneously, there are arguments as to what rights children are entitled to if any.

The critical aspect that allows children to be of philosophical significance is a mixture of their youth and humanity as well as the elements that are connected to their youth. This paper is going to examine the critical question; do children have rights. Further, the discussion will explore the nature, value, and scope of rights as well as the children’s moral position.

According to the United Nations (1989), a child is any person who is under eighteen years of age. Some philosophers assume it is apparent that children have rights but the question arises to what extent they should be entitled to these rights. On the others side, skeptics believe children should not be holders of rights. Sumner (1987) and Steiner (1998) argue that if too many rights are given away, then they may not retain their significance and value which is vital. Sumner (1987) and Steiner (1998) symbolizes this argument to monetary value where he argues increase of rights lessen the value of the rights currency.

The Sumner (1987) and Steiner (1998) argument is a challenge to advocate of children’s rights. Nevertheless, there are more specific rationales suspecting the moral of children’s rights. In this regard, the issue of rights language comes into focus. So what is entails being a right holder. Some philosophers, for example, assert that rights are absolute in which case an individual possession of rights adequately outweighs any other moral perspective (Nozick, 1974). On the other hand, some hold to the belief that rights possession is not that significant as to discount other moral considerations.

The claim that children have rights gains account in the choice or will theory (Steiner, 1994; Hart, 1973 & Sumner, 1987), and); the interest or welfare theory contradicts the will stand (Kramer 1998; MacCormick 1982 & Raz 1984). According to the will theory, rights entail safeguarding the exercise of choice. Specifically, a right is to possess the power to impose or relinquish the task of which “the right is the correlative” (Kramer 1998; MacCormick 1982 & Raz 1984). In simple terms, for example, for one to possess the right to education means one has the choice of imposing the responsibility of other individuals or individuals to offer the education or liberate them from their duty. The interest theory observes right as the safeguarding of interests of ample significance to enforce on others’ particular responsibilities whose action enables the holder of a right to benefit from the interest.

The interest and will theory have limitations in the assertion that children have rights. Generally, the will theory excludes some humans; that is, even though all human being holds interests that deserve to be protected, some like children, comatose and the mentally challenged cannot choose. In this respect, the choice theory disqualifies them as rights holders. In addition, MacCormick (1982) argues that fact that it is obvious children have rights becomes adequate to discount the will theory hence making children’s a ‘test-case for the theory.

In most corners, the claim that for every right there is a corresponding duty holds water in children right. Thus, to possess a right means that someone else has the responsibility in respect to that right. Further, this should not be translated to mean there are no other forms of responsibilities that do not correlate with any right. Certainly, some opponents of children’s rights agree that grown-ups have the responsibility to safeguard the vital interests of young children but at the same time, they refute that these interests correlate with rights possessed by children.

Conclusion

The discussion of the interest and will theory does not put into consideration reasons for favoring either theory. It has merely explored the concern whether rejection of children’s rights can be considered as a test case for the integrity of the choice theory. However, there are possibilities of other considerations that discount the choice theory in support of the welfare theory; or maybe the interest theory is preferable to the choice theory irrespective of the will theory denial of children of rights.

References

Archard, D. (1993): Children: rights and childhood, Routledge: London.

Franklin, B. (1995): The handbook of children’s right.

Freeman, M. (1997): The moral status of children, Martinus Nijhoff.

Hart, H. L. (1973): Bentham on Legal Rights, A. W. Simpson (ed.), Clarendon Press; Oxford 171-201.

Kramer, M.H., (1998): Rights without Trimmings, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 7-111.

Kramer, M.H., Simmonds, N.E. and Steiner, H., (1998): A Debate Over Rights, Philosophical Enquiries, Clarendon Press; Oxford.

McCormick, N., (1982): Children’s Rights: A Test-Case, in his Legal Right and Social Democracy, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 154-166.

Nozick, R. (1974): Anarchy, State, and Utopia, Basil Blackwell; Oxford.

Raz, J., (1984): Legal Rights, Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, 1-21.

Steiner, H., (1994): An Essay on Rights, Blackwell; Oxford.

Steiner, H., (1998): Working Rights, Clarendon Press; Oxford, 235-301.

Sumner, L.W. (1987): The Moral Foundation of Rights, Clarendon Press; Oxford.

United Nations. (1989): The Convention on the Rights of the Child, P. Alston, S. Parker and J. Seymour (eds.), Oxford University Press; Oxford, 245-264.

United Nations. (1989): The Convention on the Rights of the Child, L. LeBlanc (edn), University of Nebraska Press; Lincoln, 293-316.

Verhellen (1997): Understanding children’s rights, Ghent. Children’s right centre.

Introduction

The problems facing the children internationally include internet child pornography and child labor. These are problems widespread across the globe because of abating of the vices by government officials of various states and instability of various policy frameworks set by the governments.

Also, the social malpractices like bribery have also led to the laxity in dealing with the menace. There is a need for the involvement of the community and organization of goodwill, in the alleviation of poverty and suffering of children. This owes to the fact that poverty is the root cause of child abuse.

Internet child pornography

The internet is a virtual platform for the predation of children by the unscrupulous people. The people who propagate this vice act illegally, given that it is hard to apprehend them legally. This owes to the fact that different countries have their jurisdictions and internet space. This makes it difficult for identifying, arresting, and prosecution of these criminals. Moreover, not every nation is a signatory to the international internet protocol pact.

Therefore, some countries allow the practice in their jurisdiction. Sanderson (2007, 23) posits that lack of funding also contributes to the low legal response to this vice. This aggravates the situation because the legal practitioners, who ought to investigate the suspects, accept bribes, and let the suspects go unpunished.

Child labor

This is the forced working of children at attender age, usually between the age of 5 and 14 years. This arises from the low financial status of families. This is because their parents forcefully bond some children because they have no power to object. Furthermore, young children may not be aware of the problem until later in life. This practice denies the children the chance of attending school; hence, they grow as illiterates.

This affects every aspect of their lives, including their financial stability. The practice is usually concealed. Hence it becomes difficult for the policy enforcers to crack down on the propagators of these criminals. Hugh (2009, 35) posits that the consent of the parents of the children to the vice aggravates the situation. However, financial instability is the overriding causal problem. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all governments to boost the economic and financial welfare of its citizenry to avert the vice.

Children can also be abducted and subjected to forced labor by the abductors. The children are compelled to work in adverse conditions detrimental to their health and safety. The children are also denied freedom of expression to suppress complaints from the children. Indeed, they are also denied the freedom of movement, given that they may escape (Chris, 2007, 51). This makes the children afraid and traumatized; hence; they are forever victims of circumstance. They do not receive any compensation for the services they offer.

Remedial measures for Internet child pornography

There is a remedy to the vice of internet child pornography. Governments ought to liaise in curbing this vice. This can be done through harmonizing of policies of various governments about internet misuse. The sites that provide child pornography need to be banned from the operation and heavy fines charged.

Also, the parents of children should teach, guide, and counsel their children on the virtues of life and the negative impacts of watching such pornographic videos online. This will enlighten the children of the immorality of indulging in the practice. The government also ought to create laws prohibiting the practice and provision of severe penalties for committing and abating the practice.

Corporate Social Responsibility in the International education center

This is an international organization, which provides education to children across the globe. It has branches all over the world. The organization embraces the aspect of corporate social responsibility because of the vitality of the practice. This responsibility is implied for every organization. Its practice leads to goodwill from the members of society and assures of the going concern of the organization because of the many benefits derived from the initiative.

This institution carries out a free educational program for all the street children around its locations in the world. This affords the street children an opportunity to access literacy and intellectual development. Furthermore, the education obtained opens all avenues of the lives of these children, including financial breakthroughs. This lowers the crime rate in such towns, given that street children grow up to be robbers and burglars (Hugh, 2009, 43). In this regard, society benefits from this corporate social responsibility of the institution.

Ways of making child welfare projects successful

There are many ways in which children can be assisted to overcome their predicaments. First is the creation of non-governmental organizations to clamor for adherence to child rights. These initiatives also advocate for the ban of all social evils done to children, including child labor.

According to Farquhar (2008, 67), these organizations will spearhead the restoration of fair treatment of children across the globe. The creation of many needy children centers will provide a safe place for vulnerable children. This will reduce the numbers of cases of child mistreatment and abuse.

Ways of Improving We Care organization

We Care initiative can be improved through sufficient funding, which will enable the meeting of the divergent needs of children from all occupations. In this regard, parents and other people will bring the children to the organization for rehabilitation and intellectual development.

The donation of various goodies like learning materials, food, and other learning paraphernalia necessities will make We Care organization a better place for all and sundry. The organization can also be improved through the use of corporate social responsibility aspect. This will create awareness to the community regarding the agenda of the organization.

Conclusion

There is a need for a concerted effort in ensuring the welfare of all children across the globe. The synergistic approach will eliminate the mistreatment of children and the propagation of immoral practices like internet child pornography and child labor. Internet child pornography can be eliminated through the collective ban of the practice among all nations across the globe. This will be possible through the constitutional amendments to accommodate the ban of internet child pornography.

Child labor can also be curbed through full implementation of the child rights. This will help in the apprehension of the people who take part in child abuse. Organizations can help children through complying with the corporate social responsibilities. Helping the needy and vulnerable children will earn the organizations the reputation of the society because of the support given the children.

References

Chris, B. (2007). Child Protection: An Introduction. California: Publisher-SAGE.

Farquhar, S.E. (2008). The Benefits & Risks of Childcare (ECE) for Young Children. New Zealand: Child Forum.

Hugh, H. (2009). The World of Child Labour. New York: M.E. Sharpe Publications.

Sanderson, C. (2007). The seduction of children: empowering parents and teachers to protect children from child sexual abuse. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

In the Permanent Constitution of Qatar (2004), there are several articles that ensure the quality of all citizens of the country is Articles 34, 35, 21, and 22. These articles outlaw discrimination and ensure that all members of the society enjoy equal rights. Moreover, they support the family institution, maternity, old age, and childhood, provide due care for the young, and protect them from mental and physical neglect. Also, the child rights are strengthened by the Qatari laws No. 1 of 1994, 38 of 1995, 2 and 14 of 2004, 3 of 2016, and Amiri Decree No. 6 of 2016.

1. The former contains provisions intended to preserve children from crimes as well as preventive measures to rehabilitate them by rectifying their behavior in the event that crimes have already been committed.
2. Law No. 38 guarantees security benefits to orphanages or children of unknown parentage in the form of monthly payments.
3. Law No. 14 prohibits child labor under the legal age.
4. Law No. 2 ensures the provision of educational services to individuals with disabilities.
5. Amiri Decree No. 6 establishes the Department of Family Matters, which is responsible for increasing the community awareness of juvenile delinquency and measures of its prevention.
6. Law No. 3 ensures that all children (including illegitimate ones) have birth certificates.

Additionally, The Qatar Foundation for Social Action is focused on the preservation of human rights of all citizens. There are numerous foundations and centers addressing social issues:

1. Family Counseling Center is aimed to strengthen family bonds and marriage by providing numerous prevention services.
2. Orphans Care Center ensures the stability of host families and renders aid to children who are deprived of the natural family environment.
3. Social Protection and Rehabilitation Center supports women and children who fall victims to family break-ups or violence.

Law No. 1 of 1994 prohibits the administration of corporal punishments to juveniles younger than 14 (National Anti-money Laundering & Terrorism Financial Committee, n.d.). Also, Article 22 of the Constitution obligates the state to protect the young from all kinds of abuse and exploitation, and Law No. 11 of 2004 protects children from sexual violence. The latter does not accept any element of consent on behalf of children and increases punishment for having sexual intercourse with a female or male under 16 (life imprisonment).

The aspects of custody of children are regulated by Law No. 22 of 2006. The Law positions custody as the basic duty of fathers during the whole lifetime of a marriage. In the event of divorce, custody precedence is given to mothers under the condition that they are able to ensure due protection of the child. Inheritance is regulated by the Qatari Law of the Family in accordance with the principles of Islamic sharī‘a (“The Permanent Constitution of the state of Qatar,” 2004).

The administration of social security benefits is regulated by The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Matters. Also, the Wifaq Centre is focused on the protection of children faced with divorce in the family. Another organization that provides help is The Qatar Foundation for Social Action. It also renders additional services, including training for parents, provision of suitable psychological atmosphere for children who are supervised by specialists while being in custody, and rendering legal services to guarantee that the child’s interests are protected in a proper manner.

The rights of the children living in prison are protected by The Department of Penal and Correctional Institutions of the Ministry of the Interior. The Department makes sure that all of their children’s needs are fulfilled and their mothers can spend all their time with the children. The key needs include: food, healthcare (including vaccinations), due treatment, suitable diet and care for breastfeeding mothers, medical examination, and observation of child’s interests in all situations.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education enforces the policies regarding inclusive education. This includes the support of special needs students, preparation of schools and their staff, and the provision of advice to caregivers of students with disabilities. The major provisions of support policies include:

1. granting a right to receive comprehensive education;
2. increasing the level of support with the adoption of a well-structured approach;
3. providing solid background;
4. ensuring quality of the educational skills;
5. providing vocational development programs.

Also, the Ru’a Centre for Assessment, Consultancy and Support for Students Needing Additional Educational Support is another agency focused on the fulfillment of the needs of students with disabilities.

Article 58 of the Qatari Constitution protects the rights of political asylum seekers (“The Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar,” 2004). Qatar adhered to the basic principles of the 1951 Refugee Convention and provides an ongoing help and support for all the refugees who reside on the territory of this country. The country also takes part in activities of the Joint Committee of Experts and Representatives of the Ministries of Justice and the Interior of the Arab States. Reach Out to Asia (ROTA), which works in 10 Asian countries including Qatar, is currently the major agency that provides support to refugees, helping them realize their full capacity in employment and education.

Law No. 21 of 2015 regulated the policies of entry of migrant children, as well as their treatment in the territory of Qatar (“The Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar,” 2004). It ensures that the families entering the state are protected from separation. Education and medical care are provided to all children without distinction into natives and foreigners. As far as their educational opportunities are concerned, education is available to both nationals and foreign residents, beginning with nurseries and kindergartens and up to working adults.

Law No. 1 of 1994 prohibits the use of child labor as a source if livelihood. Article 322 of the Penal Code – Law No. 11 of 2004 states that persons who exploit children or adults as workers will face up to six months of detention (National Anti-money Laundering & Terrorism Financial Committee, n.d.). Law No. 14 of 2004 permits regular inspections of workplaces in order to check their workforce. Establishments that employ juveniles may face closure. The same article stipulates that legal authorization (provided by the child’s father or legal guardian) is required for juveniles to be employed. Furthermore, these juveniles have to undergo a medical examination.

In Qatar, the minimum age for criminal responsibility is seven. Currently, Qatar’s legislators have ratified the 1995 Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as two Optional Protocols regarding the involvement of children in warfare and the sale of children including child prostitution and pornography. A bill was drafted that will cover the definition of the age of criminal responsibility. At present, it is waiting to be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislative Matters. This bill is supposed to unite the integrated vision of the child’s rights consistent with the applicable law of the country and principles outlined during various international conventions devoted to the topic of child protection.

Law No. 15 of 2011 prohibits human trafficking. Articles 318, 321 and 322 of the Penal Code prohibit the submission of any persons to prostitution, as well as their kidnapping and illegal arrest. The penalty for these crimes is increased (up to the capital punishment in the event of the death of the victim) if the victim is a child, juvenile, or a woman. Any types of purchase or sale of people are also penalized.

Law No. 31 of 2006 prohibits the involvement of individuals under 18 in armed conflicts. Currently, the Qatari armed forces adhere to the standards of the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989. This implies that the armed forces enjoy the highest humanitarian standards, training programs, and internal protection.

References

National Anti-money Laundering & Terrorism Financial Committee. (n.d.). Penal Code. Web.

The Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar. (2004). Web.

The progress in meeting the aims of Article 12 of the UNCRC within the UK government and policy-making process has risen in the past years since 1991 when it was ratified by the United Kingdom.

Article 12 of UNCRC states that “state parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight by the age and maturity of the child.

For this purpose, the child shall be allowed to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law’

Various structures and provisions have been put in place to ensure the active participation of children and young are in the interest of community planning in compliance with Article 12 of the UNCRC. This is in line with the UNCRC committee’s concluding observations which recommended that the Government take further steps to promote, facilitate and monitor systematic meaningful and effective participation of all groups of children in society and that the Government take further steps to reflect the obligations of Article 12 in legislation, and that legislation governing court procedures and administrative proceedings ensure that a child is capable of forming his/her views has the right to express those views and that they are given due weight delivering positive outcomes for children and young people.

Further to fulfill its commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of children, the government of the UK passed the children act 2004. The Act sets out a framework of services that cover children and young people from birth to the age of nineteen years. The Act provides the legal framework for the reform. This news legislation was followed by a launch of a major strategy document for English authorities; every child matters and another one know as change for children. All these documents are intended to provide more information about the interests and rights of children in the UK.

Further in enhancing and meeting the aims of Article 12 of the UNCRC the government of the UK has implemented various strategies and policy papers in fulfilling this. Recently the Home secretary together with Executive Minister for Justice in Scotland came up with an action plan which among other things touched on child trafficking.

Included in the action plan report is the need to recognize the very special needs of the trafficked children. Towards this, the government has committed itself together with local authorities and representative organizations to work towards developing safe, responsive, and high-quality child care arrangements for those who have been trafficked and who may need protection. The government has further committed itself to carry out targeted preventative work with new immigrant communities. This is evident from the community partnership project in London.

Further to protect the interests of children, the establishment of Local Safeguarding Control Boards has been enhanced. The main objective of the Local Safeguarding Control Board is to coordinate and ensure the effectiveness of their member agencies in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children.

In this regard, the government of the UK has implemented various policies to effect Article 12 of UNCRC. Every child must be allowed to express his views and also be heard. In addition, better facilities should be made available for use in schools and other institutions where children are housed. Special attention should be given to those children with disabilities.

The enactment of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 is also a milestone in ensuring that the rights and interests of children are protected. This Act ensures that each child has access to the best education he/she wishes to attain. The act further goes to provide that concern must be taken to ensure that the environment in which children are encompassed is clean and conducive for the children well being. Therefore all these processes and policies have been enacted by the government for the interest of children.

Bibliography

1. Alderson P, Goodwin M (1993) Contradictions within Concepts of Children’s Competence. International Journal of Children’s Rights
2. Daniel & Ivatts, (1998) Children and social policy Macmillan
3. Department of Education and Science (1967) Children and their Primary Schools. A Report of the Central Advisory Council for Education (The Plowden Report). London, HMSO.
4. Kirby. et al(2003) Building a culture of participation. Web.
5. Butler. & Taylor, A (2003) Expanding and sustaining involvement.
6. Shier. (2001) Pathways to participation: openings, opportunities and obligations. A new model for enhancing children’s participation in decision making. Children and society.
7. Marshall. (1997) Children’s rights in the balance: the participation-protection debate. The stationery office
8. Wyke S, Hewison J (Eds) (1991) Child Health Matters: Caring for Children in the Community. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.