ADVOCATE HUMAN RIGHTS�IN A FAIRY LAND�ERASMUS + PROJECT

NAZİLLİ SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Gülin Yaşar

Beyza Atay

Egehan Algül

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What is the world doing about children's rights?

• The Convention on the Rights of the Child was accepted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989.
• This is a contract consisting of 54 articles that includes the rights to live in, shelter and education.

• Palestine, Vatican City, Nieu and Cook Islands are parties to the convention with all United Nations members except the United States of America. Turkey signed the CRC on October 14, 1990, and the convention entered into force on January 27, 1995, after it was published in the Official Gazette.

At the same time, there has been a lot of progress in the world of children's rights.

• İn 1991 experts from UNICEF, Save the Children, Defence for Children International and other organizations meet to discuss data gathered from the reporting process of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The meeting leads to the formal establishment of the Child Rights International Network (CRIN) in 1995.

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• İn 2002 at the United Nations Special Session on Children, child delegates address the General Assembly for the first time. The World Fit for Children agenda was adopted outlining specific goals for improving the prospects of children over the next decade.

CHILDREN’S�RIGHTS

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN’S RIGHTS�

• Children and young people have the same general human rights as adults and also specific rights that recognize their special needs. Children are neither the property of their parents nor are they helpless objects of charity. They are human beings and are the subject of their own rights. 

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• Non-discrimination means that all children have the same right to develop their potential in all situations and at all times.
• For example, every child should have equal access to education regardless of the child’s gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, parentage or other status.

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There are four general principles that underpin all children’s rights:

• The best interests of the child must be "a primary consideration" in all actions and decisions concerning a child, and must be used to resolve conflicts between different rights.
• For instance, when making national budgetary decisions affecting children, Government must consider how cuts will impact on the best interests of the child

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• The right to survival and development underscores the vital importance of ensuring access to basic services and to equality of opportunity for children to achieve their full development.
• Such as, a child with a disability should have effective access to education and health care to achieve their full potential

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• The views of the child mean that the voice of the child must be heard and respected in all matters concerning his or her rights.
• For example, those in power should consult with children before making decisions that will affect them.

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Children’s Rights in Turkey

• As the entire world, children’s rights are among the most significant issues of Turkey. Due to the importance of it, there are many institutions have been established to protect children’s rights.

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Darüşşafaka

• One of the most important institutions to save children’s rights is Darüşşafaka. It was established in 1863 as the first private school in Turkey. Darüşşafaka provides scholarship to children who have lost their parents or financial status are insufficient.

Darüşşafaka

• Darüşşafaka is also known with it’s success in education and discipline. Many known and successful people have graduated from the institution so far. Aziz Nesin is the best-known of them.
• Aziz Nesin is a Turkish author and poet. He impressed many people with his progressive opinions. Düğümlü Mendil, Şimdiki Çocuklar Harika and Tek Yol are among his mostly liked works.

Darüşşafaka

• Nuriye Varoğlu is another great example which shows the quality of Darüşşafaka’s education. When she was 11ᵗʰ grader, she attended to ‘ Scientist For A Day Essay Contest’ which was organised by NASA. She won the finals in Turkey and her article was published in NASA’s official website. Next year, she joined the university entrance exam and entered Trakya University Medicine Faculty.

Turkish Children Protection Institution

• Turkish Social Service and Children Protection Institution was established in 1921. It was supported and contributed by Turkish Grand National Assembly and Turkish people after it was found. Likely to Darüşşafaka, it’s main purpose is to look after the children whose parents are not alive or who have unfavorable conditions.

Atatürk and Children

• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was a great supporter and a protector of children. Besides all the reforms he made, he always pointed out the importance of children with his words.
• ‘The rising new generation, the future is yours. We established the Republic, it is you who will elevate and sustain it.’

23 April 1920

• In 23 April 1920, Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) was founded in the leadership of Atatürk during the Turkish Independence War. The day took the name of ‘National Sovereignty and Children’s Day’ due to the conditions of war and the importance of children for Atatürk.

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• 1.TBMM 2.TBMM 3.TBMM(currently used)

23 April

• Atatürk did not only devote the day for Turkish children but also for children in the entire world. This day meant a recovery for children who have lost their parents because of the war.
• In 1979, after the United Nations General Assembly announced the year as Children’s Year, Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) started the TRT International Children’s Festival. After that date, every year, children from all around the world are being invited to celebrate the day which was dedicated to them.