Protection of the children

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) adopted on 20 November 1989 is the first legally binding universal treaty solely dedicated to the promotion and protection of children’s rights. It sets out the rights that must be realized for every child – the rights to survival, development, protection, and participation. It offers a vision of the child as an individual and as a member of a family and community, with rights and responsibilities appropriate to his or her age and stage of development.

The Philippines as a State Party to the Convention has the obligation and accountability to undertake all appropriate legislative, administrative, and other measures for the realization of children’s rights and that children have access to services, protection from all forms of abuse and violence, opportunities for personal development to reach their fullest potential.

By virtue of Republic Act 10661, the National Children’s Month (NCM) in the Philippines which commemorates the adoption of the UN CRC on 20 November 1989, is annually celebrated every November. It seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness.

This November 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCRC and the 27th year of the NCM. Since the country’s ratification of the UN CRC in July 1990, there is much to be celebrated. However, despite over-all gains and continuing efforts of the Philippine Government, Filipino children and their family still face challenges which compromise their human rights and benefits of development..