When the international community adopts a treaty, it means the principles enshrined in that treaty are formally accepted by the international community. International human rights treaties set out the basic and fundamental principles for equality, dignity and respect. But most of the time a State is not bound by a treaty in international law unless it ratifies it (a national process, usually where the parliament consents). So it’s incredibly important that States ratify human rights treaties. Unfortunately ratification of children’s rights treaties remains low.
CRIN has launched or joined the below campaigns for treaty ratification, and we will add more in the future. The links provide further information, including ways for you to campaign.
Campaign for universal ratification of UN Optional Protocols on children’s rights
Sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
Children and armed conflict
International justice for children’s rights
Campaign for a complaints mechanism to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (OP3). We have the Third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child establishing a complaints mechanism. Now we need more States to ratify so it can enter into force and so more children are able to seek international justice for abuses of their rights.