State obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on children’s rights 2013, para. 19

Paragraph
Paragraph text
The activities and operations of business enterprises can impact on the realization of article 6 in different ways. For example, environmental degradation and contamination arising from business activities can compromise children's rights to health, food security and access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Selling or leasing land to investors can deprive local populations of access to natural resources linked to their subsistence and cultural heritage; the rights of indigenous children may be particularly at risk in this context. The marketing to children of products such as cigarettes and alcohol as well as foods and drinks high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, sugar, salt or additives can have a long-term impact on their health. When business employment practices require adults to work long hours, older children, particularly girls, may take on their parent's domestic and childcare obligations, which can negatively impact their right to education and to play; additionally, leaving children alone or in the care of older siblings can have implications for the quality of care and the health of younger children.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Document type
General Comment / Recommendation
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Environment
  • Social & Cultural Rights
  • Water & Sanitation
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
  • Girls
Year
2013
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
CRC General Comment No. 16, State obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on children’s rights (2013), para. 19.
Paragraph number
19