Dear children,
Did you know that you have rights that protect you and help you grow up in a safe, healthy, and happy environment? The United Nations, the largest international organization in the world, created the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a document that ensures the protection of all children’s rights. But besides the Convention itself, there is a special tool that can help make sure these rights are fully respected — this is Optional Protocol 3 to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified in 2018.
What is Optional Protocol 3?
Optional Protocol 3 allows children, or their representatives, to communicate directly with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child if they believe their rights have been violated and the issue has not been resolved within their own country. This means that if you feel some of your rights have not been fulfilled, and you have exhausted all legal remedies in your country, you can turn to this Committee, which will review your case and help solve the problem.
Why is this important?
Optional Protocol 3 confirms not only that you have rights, but also that you can take action and seek help if you believe those rights are being threatened. For example, if your rights to education, health, safety, or freedom of speech are violated, you can contact the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which will investigate the situation and do everything it can to help you.
How does Optional Protocol work?
- Understanding your rights: First, you need to know your rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly states your basic rights, such as the right to life, the right to play, the right to education, and protection from violence.
- When to contact the Committee?: If you live in a country where your rights are not protected, or if an adult responsible for your protection has failed to support you, you can file a complaint with the Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Who can file a complaint?: Complaints can be made by children themselves or their families, organizations defending children’s rights, or government institutions working on child protection.
It’s important to know you are not alone!
Protecting your rights is the responsibility of all of us, and Optional Protocol 3 shows that the United Nations takes seriously its obligation to help you. If you ever feel your rights are at risk, you can seek help and your rights will be protected.
Kako možete pomoći u širenju svijesti o pravima djece?
While it’s important to know your rights, you can also help your friends learn about them. Talk with them about why the rights to education, health, safety, and freedom of opinion matter. Maybe through your initiative, more children will become aware of their rights and, if needed, will know where to seek help. To fully understand the rights under Optional Protocol 3, you can check out the Guide to Complaints under Optional Protocol 3 created by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A final message:
Your rights are important, and you deserve to live in a world where those rights are respected. Through Optional Protocol 3, you can ensure they are truly fulfilled. Always remember that you have the right to be protected, loved, and respected.
May your childhood be filled with happiness, love, and safety!
