Child rights also apply to chess learners and it must be the primary consideration in all chess matters concerning the child (i.a. planning and organising of chess tournaments).
Core child rights
- Survival rights
- Right to life.
- Right to an adequate living standard, shelter.
- Right to nutrition, access to medical services
2. Development rights
- Right to education, play, leisure.
- Right to freedom of thought, access to information.
- Right to religion, faith, cultural activities, conscience.
3. Protection rights
- Right to protection against abuse, exploitation.
- Right to protection against child labour.
- Right to legal protection.
4. Participation rights
- Right to express opinions.
- Right to have a say in matters affecting their lives.
- Right to join associations.
Child rights reflect in various Rights documents worldwide:
- The Constitution of the RSA
Paragraph 28 (2): “A child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.”
- The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (Children’s Charter)
Article 3: “Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in this Charter…….”
Article 4 (1): “In all actions concerning the child undertaken by any person or authority the best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration.”
Article 12 (1): “State parties shall recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.”
Article 12 (2): “State parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to fully participate in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.”
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Article 3: “The best interests of children must be the primary concern in making decisions that may affect them. All adults should do what is best for children. When adults make decisions they should think about how their decisions will affect children.”
PS: South Africa ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on 16 June 1995 and was the first international treaty that the new democratic government ratified!
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 26 (2): “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Please protect the rights of all children!
- A chess set in every classroom in every school in every community!