Vocabulary

Action is the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
Advocacy is the act of pleading or arguing in favour of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy.
Empowerment is to equip or supply with an ability; to enable.
Social Justice is justice exercised within a society, particularly as it is applied to and among the various social classes of society. 

Purpose - The Architects of the Convention

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In sub-unit 2.1, children explored the status of the child prior to 1989, and then, in sub-unit 2.2 they analyzed how the Convention's rights protect the dignity of the child. The purpose of this sub-unit is to discover the people and organizations that were responsible for the formation of the Convention. 
Child Asks: Who were the people and organizations responsible for the formation of the Convention?
Children's Rights Education: Provides opportunities for children discover the people and organizations responsible for creating the Convention.
Child Answers: I am so grateful to all the people who were involved in creating the Convention.

Classroom Learning Activities

1. Research Project - People and Organizations Responsible for the Formation of the Convention:
  • John Locke - Early recognition of the child as deserving rights
  • Eglentyne Jebb and Save the Children
  • Janusz Korczak and the Warsaw orphanages
  • The League of Nations (later to become the United Nations)
  • UNICEF (an arm of the United Nations)

2. Author Study - Janusz Korczak:
  • King Matt the First (1922) by Janusz Korczak
  • Kaytek the Wizard (1935) by Janusz Korczak
  • Ghetto Diary by Janusz Korczak (for adults)
  • What I am Little Again by Janusz Korczak
  • The Champion of Children: The Story of Janusz Korczak by Tomek Bogacki (Picture book for young children)

John Locke

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Eglantyne Jebb

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(August 25, 1876 - December 17, 1928)
Jebb advocated for the provision and protection of children. This lead to the formation of the Convention's Provision and Protection rights. 

Janusz Korczak

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(July 22, 1878 or 1879 - August 1942)
The work of Korczak formed the foundation of the Convention's Participation rights. 

Relevant Convention Articles

'Best Interest' Principle
Article 3
1. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.
2. States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures.
3. States Parties shall ensure that the institutions, services and facilities responsible for the care or protection of children shall conform with the standards established by competent authorities, particularly in the areas of safety, health, in the number and suitability of their staff, as well as competent supervision.