Global Perspective
At first, it is necessary to focus on such an aspect as the right to “freedom from violence, abuse, hazardous employment, exploitation, abduction, or sale” since it can safeguard a child against various risks (Amnesty International, 2013). This is one of the issues that are poorly addressed by the governments of various countries. Certainly, the situation in various countries can differ significantly.
For instance, in European or the United States, governments have been able to resolve such problems as exploitation or hazardous employment (Amnesty International, 2013). However, even in these countries, children can become victims of both sexual and physical abuse. In turn, if one speaks about such countries struggling countries located in Africa or Asia, it is possible to argue that the situation is almost catastrophic since.
For example, according to the estimations made by the International Labor Organization (2012), approximately 1.8 million children living in Egypt can work long hours, and they can be exposed to various workplace hazards. These data indicate that the governments of various countries must work on the enforcement of the UN Charter.
Secondly, one can speak about the right to “free compulsory primary education” (Amnesty International, 2013). This is one of the areas in which the global community has achieved considerable successes. One can argue that industrialized countries have been able to enforce this provision of the UN Declaration.
In Europe and North America, this requirement is effectively enforced by the state. Moreover, this issue is effectively addressed in many Asian countries such as Japan, North Korea, or Singapore (OECD 2013, p. 165).
Nevertheless, one should not suppose that this right is universally reinforced. This problem is particularly urgent in African states, where children cannot attend or graduate from schools due to economic difficulties (UNICEF, 2013). Therefore, this issue should not be overlooked by international organizations because the deficiencies of primary education are one of the factors that hinder the development of African countries.
Furthermore, it is important to focus on such aspects as the right to express views as well as freedom of thought. One can say that this is one of the most overlooked provisions included in the UN Charter. Policy-makers in various states admit that children should have an opportunity to speak about their needs (Murdoch, 2012).
Moreover, they try to make sure that educators enable children to think critically and objectively (Australian Government, 2012, unpaged). Nevertheless, there are virtually no studies that can show whether this right is properly protected by the state. This is one of the main limitations that can be singled out.
Cultural Perspective
When speaking about the rights of children in the United Arab Emirates, one can first say that the government of this state attempts to address various problems related to the rights of children (Gomaa, 2012). The public administrators admit they should focus more on the protection of rights. For example, they attach much importance to the provision of primary education to children.
For instance, they guarantee that children can have access to free primary education regardless of their nationality, gender, or, race (Gomaa, 2012, p. 12). Furthermore, they increase their spending on primary education. The only limitation is that the state cannot always enforce this requirement.
However, there is a significant problem which should not be disregarded. In particular, the country has failed to protect their children from hunger. In the UAE, approximately 14 percent of children suffer from malnutrition (Gomaa, 2012).
This is the most urgent problem on which they should concentrate now. To some degree, the failure to guarantee this right indicates at significant economic inequalities within this country. This is one of the points that can be made.
Personal Reflection
There are several surprising findings that attracted my attention during my research. First of all, there is a significant discrepancy between the declared policies of various governments and real actions. For instance, Conventions on the Rights of the Child has been ratified by 193 countries. However, in many of these states, the policy-makers do not do anything to reinforce these norms.
This is one of the details that can be identified. Moreover, I have been surprised by the fact that the United States is one of the two countries that have not ratified the UN Charter (Amnesty International, 2013). However, I think that the lack of this ratification does not imply that the U.S. government cannot safeguard the rights of children.
As a person, I can contribute to the promotion of human rights in several ways. First of all, it is possible for me to support those organizations that combat the trafficking and exploitation of children.
In my opinion, the efforts of such NGOs are important for the improvement of living conditions. Secondly, I can raise people awareness about various hazards to which children can be exposed. I believe that such activities are also necessary because the rights of children are not sufficiently discussed by the media.
Reference List
Amnesty International. (2013). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Web.
Australian Government. (2012). Right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief. Web.
Gomaa, F. (2012) Children Rights in the UAE. Web.
International Labor Organization. (2012). Working Children in Egypt: Results of the 2010National Child Labour Survey. Web.
Murdoch, J. (2012). Protecting the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Web.
OECD. (2013). Education at a Glance 2013. Web.
UNICEF. (2013). Nigeria: Education. Web.