Implementing child rights in early childhood 2006, para. 16

Paragraph
Paragraph text
Parents/primary caregivers and children's best interests. The responsibility vested in parents and other primary caregivers is linked to the requirement that they act in children's best interests. Article 5 states that parents' role is to offer appropriate direction and guidance in "the exercise by the child of the rights in the … Convention". This applies equally to younger as to older children. Babies and infants are entirely dependent on others, but they are not passive recipients of care, direction and guidance. They are active social agents, who seek protection, nurturance and understanding from parents or other caregivers, which they require for their survival, growth and well being. Newborn babies are able to recognize their parents (or other caregivers) very soon after birth, and they engage actively in non verbal communication. Under normal circumstances, young children form strong mutual attachments with their parents or primary caregivers. These relationships offer children physical and emotional security, as well as consistent care and attention. Through these relationships children construct a personal identity and acquire culturally valued skills, knowledge and behaviours. In these ways, parents (and other caregivers) are normally the major conduit through which young children are able to realize their rights.
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)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
Year
2006
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
CRC General Comment No. 7, Implementing child rights in early childhood (2006), para. 16.
Paragraph number
16