As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) brought to light a series of significant concerns. These are outlined as the eight biggest challenges children will face in the future.
Prolonged Conflicts and its Impact on Education
One in four children now live in regions plagued by violent conflicts or disasters, causing considerable disruption to their education. UNICEF urges societies worldwide to prioritize digital inclusion. This will allow children, regardless of their circumstances, to access quality education.
Pollution, Climate Crisis, and Global Hunger
Rising levels of pollution and a burgeoning climate crisis are notably behind the continued increase in global hunger. As food production is hindered due to escalating droughts and floods, the younger generation faces severe threats of malnutrition and poor health. The solution lies in governments and businesses working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessen fossil fuel consumption, and promote renewable energy.
Mental Health among Adolescents
Mental illness among adolescents has seen a drastic rise since the adoption of CRC. Depression now ranks among the top causes of disability among young people. UNICEF emphasizes the need for inclusive rehabilitation and urges societies to break down the stigma associated with mental illness.
| Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Prolonged Conflicts | Digital inclusion for access to education |
| Pollution and Climate Crisis | Government and business collaborations to reduce emissions |
| Mental Health Issues | Inclusive rehabilitation and stigma reduction |
Mass Migration and Population Movements
Desperation-driven migrations expose children to potentially hazardous journeys, often marked by violence, abuse, and exploitation. There is also an increasing shift within national borders from rural to urban areas. UNICEF suggests governments should prioritize the rights of child migrants in legislation, emphasizing the need for better social policies and programs.
The Challenge of Statelessness
Birth registration and nationality are fundamental rights of every newborn. However, many babies born today might never receive a birth certificate due to stateless or marginalized parents. UNICEF promotes birth registration as the primary step in legally acknowledging a child’s existence, safeguarding their rights, and ensuring violations do not go unnoticed.
Preparing Young People for the Future Workforce
There is growing concern around young people’s access to education that prepares them for contemporary job opportunities. UNICEF stresses the need for education systems that equip young people to become productive and engaged citizens.
Data Rights and Online Privacy Concerns
Children are often unaware of their data rights, leaving them vulnerable to misuse. It’s crucial to develop systems that preserve privacy, offer protection from harm, and empower children to exercise their rights. Transparent and ethical standards for Internet service providers and social media platforms are needed.
Online Misinformation and its Impact on Youth
Digital and media literacy can act as a protective filter against online misinformation. As children struggle to distinguish fact from fiction online, preparing them to resist manipulation and maintain a trusting connection to reliable information is critical.
About the Convention on the Rights of the Child
The CRC is a treaty accepted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. It acknowledges every individual under 18 years old as a child and outlines their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, regardless of race, religion, or abilities. The CRC includes rights such as the Right to Education, Right to Rest and Leisure, and the Right to Protection from Mental or Physical Abuse.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified human rights treaty worldwide.