By: Erkabayeva Shahnoza
Children represent the most vulnerable segment of society, yet they also embody its future. Ensuring their rights is not only a moral duty but a legal obligation recognized globally. In theory, most nations uphold children’s rights through constitutions, civil codes, and international treaties. But the real measure of progress lies in how these rights are implemented in everyday life. The gap between written law and actual practice often determines whether children thrive or suffer in silence.
The foundation for global recognition of children’s rights is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989. It outlines key rights every child should enjoy: the right to life, development, protection from abuse, access to education, participation in social life, and expression of views. This document has been ratified by almost every country, making it one of the most universally accepted legal frameworks in the world. However, ratification does not guarantee realization. Despite global commitments, millions of children still face poverty, child labor, trafficking, violence, and lack of access to education or healthcare. These issues expose the deep discrepancy between legal protection and practical application.
One of the critical challenges in implementing children’s rights is lack of awareness—not just among adults, but children themselves. Many children are unaware that they have rights, let alone how to protect them. This makes them easy targets for exploitation, neglect, and abuse. Therefore, a key step in protecting children’s rights is education—both formal and informal—that teaches children about their rights and how to assert them. In schools, curriculums should include age– appropriate lessons on children’s rights and responsibilities. This can help young people recognize when their rights are being violated and understand the role of institutions that are meant to protect them. Teachers, social workers, and healthcare professionals must also receive training to identify and address violations in a child– sensitive manner.
Another vital aspect is legal accessibility. Often, legal systems are too complex or intimidating for children and their families. Child– friendly procedures, including simplified complaint mechanisms and legal aid services, are necessary. In some countries, children can directly approach special ombudsmen or child protection services. These institutions must not only exist but be adequately funded and staffed with professionals trained in child psychology and welfare law. Moreover, the enforcement of laws protecting children often suffers from systemic weaknesses—corruption, underreporting of abuse, or lack of coordination between agencies. For example, in cases of domestic violence or sexual abuse, children may be discouraged from reporting due to fear, shame, or family pressure. Authorities may also lack the sensitivity or will to intervene. Legal protection is meaningless if the system fails to respond. In terms of policy, governments must go beyond punitive measures and invest in preventive strategies. This includes improving living conditions, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and supporting families in poverty. When children grow up in safe, nurturing environments, the risk of rights violations decreases dramatically.
Technology, while often a threat to child safety through cyberbullying or exploitation, can also be harnessed as a tool for empowerment. Online platforms can provide legal information, confidential reporting channels, and support networks. NGOs and governments should collaborate to develop digital tools that are accessible, anonymous, and secure for children in need. Furthermore, child participation must be prioritized. Children should have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, from family matters to policy– making. Youth councils, school parliaments, and national consultations allow children to express their opinions and contribute to shaping a society that reflects their needs and dreams.
One must also recognize the diverse realities of children across regions. A child in an urban center might face very different challenges compared to one in a rural village. Legal frameworks must be adaptable to local contexts and inclusive of marginalized groups—disabled children, minority communities, refugees, or children in conflict zones. International cooperation is essential. Issues like child trafficking, migration, or online abuse transcend borders. Shared databases, joint investigations, and international legal support can improve protection mechanisms. No child should fall through the cracks due to jurisdictional limitations or diplomatic inertia.
In conclusion, protecting children’s rights is not a one– time legal achievement but an ongoing societal commitment. Laws must be alive—reflected in the way children are treated in homes, schools, courts, and communities. While legal texts provide the structure, it is the dedication of people—parents, educators, lawmakers, and children themselves—that gives those words true power. A world where every child is safe, heard, educated, and valued is not just an ideal—it is a responsibility we must strive to fulfill, every day.
Erkabayeva Shahnoza, 2nd year student of the Faculty of Philology and Arts, Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhon Beruni
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