We’re reminding parents to respect their children’s rights when they divorce/separate as part of World Children’s Day.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child says children aren’t just objects, belonging to their parents, for whom decisions are made, they’re human beings with their own rights.
We wanted to remind separating or divorcing parents of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child legal framework as part of World Children’s Day, on Friday, November 20.
The Convention says childhood is separate from adulthood and lasts until age 18. It is a special, protected time, in which children must be allowed to grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity. This is true for every child around the world and we are urging separating or divorcing couples to be mindful of this while going through the process of separation, and if they go on to court proceedings too.
Within the family court system, it is actually the children who have rights, not the parents. The court will focus on the child’s best interest. With older children, they will want to know what they feel about certain decisions being made in their lives.
Nonetheless, it is still for the parents, where possible, to make joint decisions and reach agreements about their children.
We advise parents to always put their children first when considering a split with their partner. Children have had a lot to put up with recently including interference with their daily routines and worries about the Coronavirus. These concerns may already be playing on their minds, as well as any discussions they may have overheard parents having. They will potentially already be feeling insecure before you add in the people they love the most splitting up. So, it’s important to take into consideration their feelings and needs too. Where possible, try to make decisions together as it will help protect their children from harmful parental conflict.
World Children’s Day
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day. It is celebrated each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide and improving children’s welfare.
The day falls on November 20 as this is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. The UN General Assembly also adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on this date in 1989.
Since 1990, World Children’s Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children’s rights.
World Children’s Day offers everyone an opportunity to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights. This translates into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
For most of our clients, their children are their main focus. They wish to make the separation impact on their children as little as possible.
If you need help with sorting out the arrangements for the care of your children, get in touch with us. We are specialist barristers. There is no need for a solicitor – you can come direct to us, the experts.