The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Global Goals on Play, Leisure and Work
Listening Here you can read about what the UNCRC and the SDGs say about children's rights to play, rest and leisure. You can also read about protecting children from economic exploitation.
What does the Convention on the Rights of the Child say about play, rest and leisure?
Article 31 of the UNCRC states that all children have the right to play, rest and leisure. For children's well-being and development, it is important that they have free time, participate in leisure activities and sleep well at night.
Play, rest and leisure
Vila
Getting a good, long sleep is important for all children. The opportunity to rest and take a break between all the events of the day is necessary for children to feel good.
Leakage
Play is what you make up and do yourself. You can play alone or with other children. You have the right to play any games that adults do not decide. You can also choose to participate in sports or play that is planned by adults. Children also have the right to participate in culture and art. As with all leisure activities, you should be able to choose what you want to participate in.
Leisure time
According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, all signatory countries should encourage children to participate in culture, arts, play and leisure activities. The Convention also states that no child shall be excluded on the basis of sex, color, disability or any other ground.
What does the UNCRC say about work?
Article 32 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children should be protected from economic exploitation. Children also have the right to be protected from hard work that harms their health or hinders their schooling.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child states that each country should establish rules on the minimum age and working hours for children. The ILO is a part of the UN that deals with labor issues. The ILO has agreements that, together with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, deal with children's work. Countries must have rules that fit with the agreements.
Global goal number 8.
Global goal numbers 10 and 11.
Global goal number 8.
Global goal numbers 10 and 11.
The global goals
The SDGs apply to all people, both adults and children. Goal 8 is about ensuring that all people who work have a safe and secure working environment. Goal 8 also has sub-goals, some examples are:
- Ensure young people get jobs or traineeships
- Creating jobs for people living with disabilities
- prohibit the worst forms of child labor - such as the use of child soldiers
Global Goal 11 is about countries building good cities. One of its targets is to create safe and healthy parks where children can play. Goal 10 is about reducing inequalities and treating everyone equally. This also means that all children should be able to participate in activities on equal terms.
This text was originally published 1 March 2021.
Published: 15 November 2024
