Urgent Call for Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the United States of America
“I am especially disheartened to witness these incidents occurring before the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression,” says Quianna Canada
It is with a heavy heart and profound disappointment that I address the disturbing and unacceptable incidents of American children being abused in schools by those entrusted with their care and education.
Recent videos surfacing online depict a grievous reality: numerous accounts of children having their bodily integrity violated,[1] being assaulted by principals,[2] and disturbing uses of force.[3] In one case, an elementary school teacher was charged after numerous female students accused him of sexually assaulting them.[4] In another incident, I am learning a school principal placed a child in a chokehold.[5]
While I acknowledge that in the above-mentioned cases, the administrators responded swiftly by either terminating the aggressor’s employment or ensuring their arrest, such acts are occurring too frequently in the nation.
Not only do these egregious acts harm the child victims, but they also undermine the very foundation of trust and safety that our educational institutions are supposed to provide.
These cases of abuse of power are also reprehensible, alarming, and violate the sanctity of the school environment. It cannot be denied that the school environment should be a sanctuary of learning, growth, and security.[6] It should also be a place where children develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally under the guidance of compassionate and dedicated educators and leadership.
I am especially disheartened to witness these incidents occurring before the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, which “acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.”
These cases of abuse of power are also a clear violation of the principles enshrined in Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which underscores the right of every child to be free from violence, abuse, and neglect.[7]
In December 2023, I underscored the critical need for safeguarding children’s rights in the United States and emphasised the importance of ratifying the CRC. Despite the presence of compelling evidence revealing the abuse of the most vulnerable children by authority figures in the United States, the country has yet to ratify the CRC.
Thus, to address these concerns, I feel there must be:
A zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse within educational institutions. Strict guidelines and protocols need to be established and enforced to prevent such incidents. Educators and school staff must be thoroughly vetted, trained, and continuously monitored to ensure they uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
Robust reporting mechanisms in place that allow children, parents, and staff to report any incidents of abuse without fear of retaliation. These mechanisms must ensure that all complaints are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed with the appropriate consequences for perpetrators.
Adequate support systems for victims of abuse. Counseling services should be readily available to help them heal and regain their sense of safety and trust. Schools should foster an environment of openness, support, and respect where children feel valued and protected.
Legislative measures, such as the implementation of the CRC, should be implemented to hold abusers accountable and to ensure that educational institutions are safe havens for learning and growth.
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References
[1]Baude, E (2024). Hudson elementary school teacher resigns after allegations of ‘inappropriate conduct’ with child. KSTP. Available at: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/hudson-elementary-school-teacher-resigns-after-allegations-of-inappropriate-conduct-with-child/; Olaniran, C; Mendez, C. (2024).Maryland elementary school teacher accused of sexually assaulting multiple students. CBS News. Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/former-anne-arundel-county-teacher-charged-in-child-sex-abuse-investigation/
[2] Frieghtman, Y. (2024). ‘Why Would He Do That?’: Ex-Florida Elementary School Principal Traps Student In Classroom for Nearly An Hour, Chokes and Beat Him with Cable Cord. Atlanta Black Star. Available at: https://atlantablackstar.com/2024/05/15/former-florida-elementary-school-principal-caught-on-camera-choking-hitting-child/
[3] Yager, P. (2024). Kemp ISD teacher arrested for injury to a child. AOL. Available at: https://www.aol.com/news/kemp-isd-teacher-arrested-injury-175304672.html; Ali U. (2024). Video shows toddler repeatedly thrown to the ground at Minnesota autism center. CBS News. Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/childs-assault-at-sunrise-autism-center-in-burnsville-captured-on-video-employee-charged/
[4] Supra, note 1.
[5] Supra, note 2.
[6] Committee on the Rights of the Child (2009). General Comment №12 (2009): CRC/C/GC/12. United Nations. Available at: https://www.coe.int/t/dg3/children/participation/CRC-C-GC-12.pdf, at para. 112
[7] Id., para. 105