Convention on the Rights of the Child: “the right to have a family
The Convention on the Rights of the Child speaks, as one of the main rights of children and adolescents, of the right to life and to have a family. Today, we are going to focus, as Marists, on this essential section for our way of being and living, the right to have a family.
Yes, we already know that children are subjects of rights, and it is considered that they need these rights to be able to develop in an integral way, and that is why we consider them as such.
Children, in order to grow up healthy and develop their full potential, need the care of adults who love them, understand them, guide them and offer them security during the different stages of their growth.
Most children have parents who fulfill this role and an extended family that provides them with the necessary opportunities for balanced development. But, sadly, not all children have a human group at their side. Orphans, migrant children separated from their parents, “toxic” parents and families that prevent children from living with them, abandoned children, street children… are a reality also in this 21st century.
Therefore, the States have the duty to commit themselves to the fulfilment of this right and to reach the life of these children without a biological family that loves and protects them. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the international treaty most widely ratified by States. Even so, it is something that must be improved, a right that we must continue to fight for, as Marists of Champagnat, in our globalized world.
The Marist presence with children in a situation of vulnerability and without family (centres for minors, unaccompanied migrant children, street children?) is part of our way of responding in accordance with the Marist charism. They represent a daily way of “being the face and hands of your tender mercy” for them.
Likewise, the message of the XXII General Chapter reminds us of our commitment to “walk with children and young people who are marginalized from life”, and these children who do not have a family in which to grow up, in a healthy way, are a clear example. We are called to listen to their “crying”, fleeing from “paternalistic approaches”.
This right to have a family does not only mean a blood relationship, but goes beyond it. We find wonderful examples of non-biological parents who have provided a home of light for hundreds of children, through temporary or permanent foster care or adoption; and childcare centres, whatever their situation, that try to offer them love, security and trust.
Yes, friends, children have the RIGHT to a family. It is up to us to continue working to make this happen.
Br. Ángel Diego – Director of the Secretariat of Solidarity