Homa Arjomand

February 18 and 19, 2005 

 Speech at the Conference of “Children Rights Now” in regards to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its alternative

The Convention on the rights of the Child and its alternatives

I have no doubt that the Convention on the Rights of the Child which was adopted by General Assembly resolution 44/25 on 20 November 1989 is one that promoted social progress and better standards of life of the Child globally. 

For sure some of its articles can be adopted by the Maxima list which is of course the highest level of attainment with respect to progressive organizations in defence of children’s rights. My intention is not to focus on those progressive articles but rather on the inadequacy, conflicts and contradictions to the rights of children.

In here I will touch on some of the inadequacies:

1-     There lacks on article in relation to recognition of the rights of the girls in the family or society at large for example amendments are required with regards to the imposition of housework, such as prohibition of imposing housework or specifically housekeeping duties on girls in the family; prohibition of hejab (head cover) or prohibition any restrictive that prevents girls from social, art and sport activities; prohibiting discrimination against girls; prohibiting boys/men’s privileges; prohibiting of any form of degrading, male- chauvinistic and unequal treatment of girls in families, public places, schools, governmental and non governmental.

The declaration should emphasize a harsh punishment for the ones who mentally, physically, emotionally and financially abuse girls.

2-     The Declaration of the rights of the Child did not oppose the imposition of religion on life of the children globally it also did not protect children from violation of religious ceremonies that contravened laws and regulations regarding health and environment, such as child mutilation and early child birth; prohibition of any physical or psychological coercion for acceptance of religion; prohibition of drawing children to any religious activities, ceremonies or sects. Children under the age of 16 can not be protected from the violent and inhuman religious ceremonies and activities without Separation of Religion from State and education only then the society can ensure the well-being of every child in every aspect of their lives.  

3-     The Declaration has serious conflicts with the well-being of a child regardless of her family’s means and circumstances. The Declaration has hardly mentioned anything about the following issues:

A.     Abolition of common courts for children, and abolition of trials for children under the age of 18. Also no child should be kept in prison.  

B.     abolition of man’s privileges as so called “ head of the household” and instead laying down of equal rights and obligations for woman and man regarding the care and upbringing of children, control and running of family’s finances, inheritance, choice of residence, divorce and many other issues that are directly effecting the children’s well being.

C.     Ensuring a uniform and highest possible standard of welfare and          development opportunities for children, free medical, dental and       educational services and creating well-equipped, modern nurseries       regardless of family circumstances, ensuring a suitable affordable        housing for residents with children.