18 December 2019 was a momentous day for anyone involved in ending institutional care. It was the day that all 193 member states of the UN General Assembly adopted a unique Resolution on the Rights of the Child. This is the first such resolution that addresses the subject of children without parental care, including those in alternative care. And it uses unusually strong language when discussing the risks that this group of children are exposed to.
The resolution calls on countries to take concrete action on implementing the international commitments to protect the rights of vulnerable children. And this is done in very concrete terms.
The resolution mentions concern about the potential harm caused by institutionalising children, and states are urged to replace institutional care with other alternative care options. It is also stated that the range of alternative care options available needs to be of good quality and has to be inclusive of children with disabilities. And that there is a need for regular review of children’s placement in alternative care.
It also addresses the need to prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families by addressing the root causes of this separation through inclusive and responsive family-oriented programmes for poverty relief, and strengthening parents’ ability to care for their own children.
The resolution mentions the duty of states to protect the human rights of children in alternative care, by protecting them from all forms of violence and abuse in those care setting. This includes preventing the trafficking and exploitation of children in care facilities. And here preventing and addressing the harm cause by orphanage volunteering, including in the context of tourism is explicitly mentioned.
Also new is the mention of the need to support the right of children with disabilities to grow up in their own family, or if that really is not possible, in another family-based or community-based alternative care setting. As well as the mention of the need for aftercare for young people who leave alternative care, so that they have the appropriate support to successfully transition to independent life within the community.
This resolution, and particularly the fact that all member states adopted it, forms a major milestone on the road to ensuring that quality care is provided for all children, and to ensuring that children without parental care are taken into account when it comes to designing policies. A wonderful way to end 2019 and a great road map to start us on our way in 2020.
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