Convention on the Rights of the Child
For every child, every right
Children in Ghana have reason to celebrate in 2019 and 2020, as both years mark important anniversaries for the progress and development of the rights and well-being of the child.
2019 marks 30 years of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. This treaty was adopted by United Nations Member States on 20th November 1989. Ghana signed the Convention of the Rights of the Child on 29th January 1990 and one week later, on 5th February 1990, Ghana became the first country in the world to ratify the treaty – committing to adopt it into national law.
The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
Meanwhile in 1990, members states of the African Union – which, at the time, was the Organization of African Unity – agreed to develop the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, otherwise known as the Children’s Charter. Like the Convention of the Rights of the Child, the Children’s Charter sets out rights and defines universal principles and norms for the status of children. It was developed to emphasize the specific issues, cultural values and experiences impacting the African Child. The Children’s Charter was adopted on 11 July 1990 and came into effect in 1999.
Ghana led the world by becoming the first country to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child
This is how Ghana celebrated 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Children, young people, stakeholders, government officials and UNICEF came together on 20 November 2019 (World Children's Day) to celebrate progress made to promote and defend the rights of children in Ghana. At the event, the National Children's Parliament was officially launched.
On Tuesday, the 19th of November 2019, the Black Star Gate, icon of African Independence, was lit blue signifying Ghana's commitment to protecting the rights of its children.
Ghana, being the first country to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the child took the lead to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Convention with the Future of Childhood Summit which brought together children, young people , development partner and government officials.