Key Principles of the UNCRC and the ECA Code of Ethics
Children are vulnerable to infringements of rights as they are yet to be emancipated and become members of society, with all the elements correlating with adulthood. For said vulnerability to be addressed, various acts and policies have been implemented worldwide to protect minors. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Code of Ethics are two documents aimed at improving child safety. The two documents, despite one being national and one international, share similarities regarding the perception of children as members of society rather than solely dependent individuals.
Connections Between the UNCRC and the ECA Code of Ethics
A link that highlights the correlation between the two aforementioned documents is the focus on inclusivity. The UNCRC states that all children benefit from rights regardless of social status, gender, race, nationality, and religion (Committee on the Rights of the Child). The ECA Code of Ethics is similar in mentioning the significance of inclusivity and equity in generating a sense of belonging for all minorities (Early Childhood Australia, 2023).
Another link is acknowledging that the interests of children are primordial despite them being dependent on adult caretakers. Namely, the international document states that a child’s right to an identity and to express their opinions openly and make choices for themselves in certain areas, such as religion (Committee on the Rights of the Child). The Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics also mentions that each child has individual interests and strengths that need to be respected (Early Childhood Australia, 2023). These concepts are highlighted in both frameworks.
Applying These Frameworks to Child Safety Practices
Both the UNCRC and the ECA Code of Ethics can be applied to support child safety. The UN document, in particular, can be employed to ensure that children worldwide are viewed as individuals, treated with dignity, and considered important members of societies who must be protected. On the other hand, the ECA Code of Ethics protects children in Australia who may be exposed to discrimination if they are members of a minority or struggle to access educational or social resources.
References
Committee on the Rights of the Child. (n.d.). The Convention on the Rights of the child: The children’s version. UNICEF. Web.
Early Childhood Australia. (2023). Code of Ethics brochure. Early Childhood Australia. Web.