The concept of the rights of children and adolescents it has evolved with societies; from establishing that adults have responsibilities towards them and also, due to the need to offer them special protection to guarantee them a dignified life from their earliest years.
Likewise, the history of children’s rights was led by France in the 19th century, when it promulgated a law that protected them in their workplaces and later, stipulated their right to receive an education.
However, globally, It would not be until 1924 that the League of Nations would approve the Geneva Declaration, which recognizes specific rights for children.
Why are the rights of children and adolescents important?
Guaranteeing the rights of girls, boys and adolescents is necessary to achieve their integral development as individuals; but beyond, It promotes the evolution of societies and therefore that of nations, facilitating a climate of civility, peace, understanding, respect and well-being.
Consequently, international and Mexican laws recognize them as subjects with full rights and establish the obligation of all public and private institutions to implement the necessary measures to guarantee their protection.
When were the rights of children recognized in Mexico?
The protection of minors in our country arose when Mexico, as a member of the United Nations (UN), signed the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959.
Currently, the fourth article of our Magna Carta establishes that children and adolescents have the right to satisfy their needs for food, health, education and healthy recreation for their integral development.
Similarly, since 1990 Mexico is part of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and on December 3, 2014, the General Law on the Rights of Girls, Boys and Adolescents (LGDNNA) was issued, guaranteeing 20 rights to Mexican children and adolescents.
What are the rights of children?
Among the 20 precepts, the following rights stand out:
- To life, survival and development.
- To have an identity.
- To live with family.
- To substantive equality, that is, to the same treatment and opportunities.
- Not to be discriminated.
- To a life free of violence.
- To education, rest and recreation.
Institutions that protect the rights of children in Mexico
Finally, we point out some of the organizations that safeguard the rights of children in our country:
- Federal Attorney for the Protection of Girls, Boys and Adolescents.
- Comprehensive Protection System for Girls, Boys and Adolescents.
- United Nations Children’s Fund Mexico.
- Mexican Youth Institute.
- Inter-American Institute for Children and Adolescents.
- Committee on the Rights of the Child.