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Faith and Children's Rights: A Multi-Religious Study on the Convention Rights of the Child

Reaffirming our commitment to building a better world for children on the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

This global study created a unique and compelling opportunity to put faith into action and promote interfaith collaboration to revitalize the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, inspiring positive change for children, everywhere and at all times.

To mark the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2019, and in partnership with UNICEF, the former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children, and the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), and with the support of partners, the International Dialogue Center (KAICIID) and World Vision International, Arigatou International developed Faith and Children’s Rights: A Multi-religious Study on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This study, which was spearheaded by Arigatou International – New York and included contributions from all four Arigatou International initiatives, examines the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) from the perspective of seven major religions, identifies the important role played by religious communities in advancing the rights and well-being of children over the past 30 years, seeks to identify the common values shared among different religions and the CRC and promotes continued action by religious communities to further implement the CRC in the future.

The full report of the study results was launched at the United Nations in Geneva on November 19, 2019, with a panel discussion that brought together 120 participants.

Drawing on its expertise in fostering the participation of children, Arigatou International – Geneva facilitated the contributions made by children at the event.

During the reception, Lamija, child from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Carlos, child from Brazil and Sameer, child from Pakistan handed over the study to religious leaders and then provided specific recommendations on how to put it into action in their communities.

“This study can help us to connect with our religious leaders. It encourages us to advocate for our rights in our schools, to raise awareness through workshops — for example — and to report when our rights are violated. It helps us to know that we are not alone in all of this and that we have someone to rely on.” —Lamija, child from Bosnia & Herzegovina, before handing over the study.

RESOURCE

Faith and
Children's Rights

A Multi-religious Study on the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Faith for Rights Toolkit

In an effort to further explore bridges between religion, belief, and human rights, Arigatou International – Geneva collaborated with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and several faith-based organizations on the validation of the #Faith4Rights toolkit. The toolkit is a key component piece of the Faith for Rights initiative, which aims to help combat today’s growing hate speech and intolerance. Arigatou International – Geneva shared about the experience of developing Faith and Children’s Rights: A Multi-religious Study on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“A deeper exploration of the ethical and spiritual foundations provided by religions and beliefs can help to debunk the myth that human rights are solely Western values. On the contrary: the human rights agenda is rooted in cultures across the world. Respect for human life, and human dignity, wellbeing and justice, are common to us all. 'Faith' can indeed stand up for ‘Rights’ so that both enhance each other.”

Ms. Michelle Bachelet

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

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