The History of Children’s Rights and the Situation in Türkiye

The international recognition of children’s rights marks a major milestone in the history of human rights. The first step occurred in 1924 with the adoption of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the League of Nations. Although it set out principles for child protection, it was not legally binding. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1959, expanded these principles but still lacked legal enforceability. A valid global turning point came on 20 November 1989, when the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This convention redefined children not merely as passive subjects of protection but as individuals with active rights, including the right to participation. Entering into force on 2 September 1990, it quickly became the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

Today, 196 countries are parties to the UNCRC, making it nearly universal in scope. However, the United States remains the only UN member state that has not ratified the Convention, citing concerns about conflicts with domestic law, sovereignty in family matters, and the potential for international oversight. Some other countries have ratified it with reservations, typically on issues related to family structure, religion, or national legal systems.

The UN Committee monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, composed of independent experts based in Geneva. The Committee reviews periodic state reports detailing children’s access to education, health, protection, and participation, then issues “concluding observations” with recommendations for improvement. The Optional Protocols to the Convention further address issues such as child trafficking, the involvement of children in armed conflict, and access to complaint mechanisms. International organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children also play a crucial role in reporting, advocacy, and awareness-raising.

Türkiye signed the Convention on 14 September 1990, ratified it through Law No. 4058 on 9 December 1994, and brought it into force on 4 May 1995. Türkiye entered reservations regarding Articles 17, 29, and 30, stating that their implementation would be interpreted in line with the Constitution and the Treaty of Lausanne. The country submits periodic reports to the Committee, which evaluate issues such as child labor, early marriage, inclusive education, the rights of children with disabilities, and refugee children. In its latest observations, the Committee emphasized the need for progress in reducing child poverty, strengthening child participation, and improving juvenile justice.

To promote and monitor children’s rights, Türkiye has implemented several national frameworks under the coordination of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, including the Child Rights Monitoring and Evaluation Board and the National Child Rights Strategy and Action Plan. Organizations such as UNICEF Türkiye, Çocuk Vakfı, and STGM also run projects to raise awareness, amplify children’s voices, and prevent rights violations. Efforts to integrate children’s rights into the education curriculum have expanded, focusing on participation, nonviolence, and equality of opportunity.

Today, children’s rights have evolved beyond a legal framework—they serve as a guiding principle for social justice and democracy. Yet, implementation remains as vital as recognition. A society where every child enjoys equal rights to life, development, protection, and participation lays the foundation for a fairer and more humane future for all.

Dr. Sezen ÇİÇEK APAYDIN

November 6, 2025