There is a common misconception that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by the Conservative government in 1991, is about children's rights over those of adults. Since then, there has been anxiety that the convention may damage families or undermine parents. It is time to put the record straight. In fact, the theme of family is central to the preamble and 10 of the convention's individual articles. It makes it clear that the family is crucial for assuring the wellbeing and positive development of children and young people.
By ratifying the convention, we as a nation committed ourselves to supporting parents in their special role, rather than undermining them. Article 5 is clear that we "shall respect the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents" and Article 14 protects the right of parents to give direction to their children about freedom of thought, conscience and religion, while respecting that as children grow up they have increasing autonomy.
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