It is time for the U.S. to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child
The CRC sets the standard for children’s welfare around the world. The United States played a major role in drafting the CRC. However, the United States and Somalia are the only countries that have not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The United States signed the convention in 1995, indicating its support and its intention to pursue ratification, but that ratification has not occurred. Now is the time!
Because we affirm that all children are a gift of God, created by God and created good, Presbyterians—and Christians of all backgrounds—have a strong tradition of concern and action for the rights and needs of children. We have expressed this in a variety of ministries and in advocacy in the public arena. This includes calling the United States Senate to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Why should the United States ratify the CRC?
Around the world, the CRC serves as an important tool to promote protections and rights for all children, particularly those who are made vulnerable and marginalized. The failure of the United States to ratify the CRC undermines our international leadership role on behalf of children.
Ratifying the CRC will reaffirm the historic commitment of the United States to the welfare of children around the world and in our country. It will provide a way to assess laws, policies, and practices in relation to children’s rights and wellbeing in the United States. It will allow the United States to have a more effective voice in international organizations and conversations that address children’s rights.
The 202nd General Assembly (1990) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) called the United States to “take the action necessary for ratification of the convention in a thorough and timely manner.” Almost twenty-two years have passed since Presbyterians issued that call. It is time!
Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Matthew 19: 13–15
The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations represents the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the United Nations. Staff members help inspire, equip and connect Presbyterians for ministry as faithful disciples of Jesus in the global community. The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations helps Presbyterians witness to the nations of the world, in the name of Jesus Christ, based on the policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assemblies to the United Nations. Mark Koenig is the Director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the UN.