The UNCRC and the Global Goals on family
Listening Did you know that all children have the right to a safe and healthy family? The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Global Goals are about ensuring that all children are healthy, safe and able to play and learn. This text tells you more about your rights and how adults or the community can help if you or your family need support.
Children's right to their family
The Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child has the right to his or her parents. A child may only be separated from his or her parents if this is necessary for the child's well-being. The Convention also states that children have the right to see both their parents.
Parents are responsible for their children. Both parents are jointly responsible and should always consider the best interests of the child. Parents should advise children and help them access everything the UNCRC says they are entitled to.
Families can look different. The most important thing is that the family is a safe place for children, whatever it looks like.
The municipality provides support
If the parents of children need support, society can help. For example, society can provide support to parents who lack money for food and clothing. In Sweden, it is the municipality that helps the parents.
The municipality will also help if a child has no parents or if the parents are unable to provide the child with what they need despite support. The municipality can then find another family for the child to live with until the child's parents can take care of them again.
Global goals help
The SDGs are also important for children's right to a family. Eradicating poverty and improving people's health means more children can live safely in their families. The Global Goals to make better rules for parents who have to work in another country make it easier for children to stay in touch with and see their parents.
Every child has the right to an identity
Article 7 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child has the right to a name and to be a citizen of a country. Children also have the right to know, as far as possible, who their parents are.
But all children also have the right to their own identity. This is stated in Article 8 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Your identity includes your nationality in your country, your name and your family relationships. If you have been deprived of your identity, you should be helped to find it out.
You have the right to a name. When you are born in Sweden, you are given a personal identity number that is yours alone and does not cost money. In Sweden, the law says that no later than three months after your birth, your parents must have decided on your name. You must also have one of your parents' surnames. Your social security number and name help you get help when you are sick, go to school and get money to buy things you need.
Even if you live with adults other than your parents, you have the right to know who your mother and father are. All countries that have signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child must respect your right to keep your identity.
Everyone should be treated equally
The Convention on the Rights of the Child does not say that you have the right to have a friend. But it does say that all children have the same rights and no one should be discriminated against. Discrimination can be bullying someone else. Children have the right to develop, to feel good and to feel safe. All children have the right to play and leisure. Everyone should be included. No one should feel left out.
To ensure that everyone is treated equally, all schools in Sweden have an equal treatment plan. This is important to ensure that everyone is included.Being a good friend is both easy and difficult, but it's important for school to be good for everyone.
This text was originally published on February 1, 2021.
Published: 15 October 2024
