The rights of children and young people are relevant to the effective delivery of a Whole School Approach (WSA) and we recommend applying a rights-based approach to each component.
Many young people are unaware of their rights generally, and in relation to gender-based violence (GBV). It is important to bring these to their attention, in a way that is accessible and easy to understand.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Whilst the Convention needs to be seen as a whole there are specific articles that support the implementation of a WSA model and they include:
Article 3 The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all the decisions and actions that affect children.
Article 12 Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.
Article 13 Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.
Article 16 Every child has the right to privacy.
Article 19 Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment.
Article 24 Every child has the right to the best possible health.
Article 28 Every child has the right to an education.
Article 29 Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
Article 31 Every child has the right to relax and to play.
Article 34 Governments must protect children from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Article 39 Children who have experienced neglect, abuse, exploitation, torture or who are victims of war must receive special support to help them recover their health, dignity, self-respect and social life.
A summary of the Convention can be found here and you can find many versions that use child-friendly language online.