Developmental Assets and the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
The 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provides a useful starting point for international dialogue about asset building in international contexts as it calls on everyone in society to “build a world fit for children.”
Though this declaration appropriately emphasizes risk mitigation and reduction on a global scale, the first five points—along with the emphasis on participation and empowerment—offer an important balance and opportunity to introduce asset-building themes and perspectives into the international dialogue. It suggests that core aspects of an asset-building approach should be seen not just as “good for” kids, but core rights of each and every child in the world.
- Put children first, making the best interests of the child a primary consideration.
- Eradicate poverty: invest in children.
- Leave no child behind by ending all forms of discrimination and recognizing that each girl and boy is born free and equal in dignity and rights.
- Care for every child, understanding that their survival, protection, growth, and development are essential for human development.
- Educate every child, ensuring that all girls and boys have access to and complete free, quality primary education.
- Protect children from harm and exploitation, including acts of violence, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, as well as all forms of terrorism and hostage-taking.
- Protect children from war.
- Combat HIV/AIDS.
- Listen to children and ensure their participation. Children and adolescents are resourceful citizens capable of helping to build a better future for all. We must respect their right to express themselves and to participate in all matters affecting them, in accordance with their age and maturity.
- Protect the Earth for children, safeguarding our natural environment and minimizing the impact of natural disasters and environmental degradation on children.
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child.
For more discussion of the potential international policy implications of Developmental Assets, see Chapter 11 of Peter L. Benson (2006). All Kids Are Our Kids: What Communities Must Do to Raise Caring and Responsible Children and Adolescents. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
