Originally published on the CGS blog on November 14, 2014.
Letters to Jake Series, Letter #6
Dear Jake,
My letters to you have explained how I think the world should use global laws to keep peace, ensure justice and protect our planet for all humanity. I want the countries and peoples of the world to agree on laws that we all should follow. When disagreements arise, we should go to court instead of using military force and violence.
In today’s world we don’t have a way to pass and enforce global laws. All we can do is establish international treaties to point the way. Although these treaties are less than ideal, they are an important step in the right direction.
One important treaty for children like you and your sisters is the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It is an international human rights treaty that promotes the rights of all children worldwide and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989. The CRC recognizes all children’s rights to develop physically, mentally, and socially to their fullest potential; to express their opinions freely; and to participate in decisions affecting their future. The United States of America played a lead role in the long process of drafting the CRC, which incorporates many of the standards first found in our own Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Since the CRC’s adoption by the UN 25 years ago this month, it has been ratified by 194 of the world’s 197 countries, protecting children, strengthening families and unquestionably improving the lives of children. Only Somalia, South Sudan and the United States have failed to ratify the CRC. The embarrassing absence of the US undermines our nation’s international leadership role on behalf of children and families.
I have joined the Citizens for Global Solutions campaign to ask President Obama to submit this treaty to the Senate for its advice and consent. Ratification will strengthen our nation’s ability to defend children’s rights overseas, ensure we take children into account in resolving conflict situations, and provide a framework to help us better address challenges facing families everywhere.
I ask all parents and grandparents in the US to join me.
With love for you, your sisters, and all children everywhere,
Gram
