The Timeless Relevance of the Convention

The evolution of international standards on child rights 1924 The League of Nations adopts the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child. The declaration establishes children’s rights to means for material, moral and spiritual development; special help when hungry, sick, disabled or orphaned; first call on relief when in distress; freedom from economic exploitation; and an upbringing that instils a sense of social responsibility. 1948 The UN General Assembly passes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which refers in article 25 to childhood as “entitled to special care and assistance.” 1959 The UN General Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which recognizes rights such as freedom from discrimination and the rights to a name and nationality. It also specifically enshrines children’s rights to education, health care and special protection. 1966 The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are adopted. The covenants advocate protection for children from exploitation and promote the right to education. 1973 The International Labour Organizations adopts Convention No. 138 on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment, which sets 18 years as the minimum age for work that might be hazardous to an individual’s health, safety or morals. 1979 The UN General Assembly adopts the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which provides protection for the human rights of girls as well as women. It also declares 1979 as International Year of the Child, which sets in motion the working group to draft a legally binding Convention on the Rights of the Child. 1989 The UN General Assembly unanimously approves the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which enters into force the following year.