"Governments are obliged to protect children"

Earlier I asked a question about amnesty and adoption.  I did some research.  Given the nature of abuse in so many adoption stories -- before and after  a child is adopted by pre-approved adults -- I thought the following article should be read in the Abuse Forum: 

from: www.amnesty.ca

Children in the community and family

Abuses faced by children in the family and community range from ill-treatment in institutions to violence at home, from child trafficking to child bonded labour. The vulnerability of children to such abuses often depends on other aspects of their identity, such as gender, ethnicity or economic status. The denial of one set of rights leads to the abuse of others.

Governments are obliged to protect children from physical or mental violence or abuse while in the care of ''parents, legal guardians or any other person who has the care of the child'', including teachers and employers. Children also have the right to be free from sexual abuse and exploitation, and to be protected from hazardous and exploitative forms of labour.

Similarly, all children in the care of public or private institutions must be protected from all forms of mental, physical and emotional abuse.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child reaffirms the rights of children to an adequate living standard and adequate health care, social security and education. Delivering on this commitment is an enormous challenge for any government, requiring a combination of legal, economic and social measures.

Updated: 6 February 2006