Failure to Protect: No US State Meets Child Rights Standards

US States Fall Short of Child Rights Standards, but Some Progress Made

In a recent report by Human Rights Watch, it has been revealed that none of the United States (US) states meet international standards for protecting the rights of children. The US is also the only member state of the United Nations (UN) that has failed to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which sets out the basic rights and protections that should be afforded to all children worldwide. The study highlights several areas where US states are failing to protect children, including child marriage, corporal punishment, hazardous child labor, and extreme prison sentences.

Child Marriage

One of the concerning findings of the report is that child marriage remains legal in 41 states across the US. While some progress has been made, with Alaska and West Virginia limiting marriage to those 16 and older, international standards and the US State Department recommend prohibiting marriage for anyone under the age of 18. Earlier this year, Connecticut became the 9th US state to ban child marriage, following Vermont’s lead. However, there is still a long way to go to ensure that all children are protected from this harmful practice.

Corporal Punishment

The report also highlights the issue of corporal punishment, which remains legal in multiple settings across most states. Corporal punishment, recognized as a form of violence against children under international human rights standards, is a practice that should be prohibited. While Colorado has enacted a ban on corporal punishment in public schools, the protection has not been extended to private schools. Maryland, on the other hand, has banned corporal punishment in both public and private school settings.

Youth Justice

Regarding youth justice, the report shows that progress has been made in some areas. Over the past year, three states—Illinois, New Mexico, and Minnesota—have banned the sentencing of children to life without parole. This brings the total number of states that have banned this practice to 28. However, there is still no US state that meets the international standard of setting the minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction at 14. Just this year, New York raised the minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 7 to 12, and New Hampshire and Maryland raised it to 13.

Child Labor

While progress has been made in some areas, child labor remains a significant concern in the US. According to the report, hazardous child labor in the agriculture industry remains legal in all 50 states. While children are required to be at least 16 to work full time and 18 to do hazardous work in other industries, children as young as 12 are legally allowed to work on commercial farms for unlimited hours with parental permission, as long as they do not miss school. This exemption poses a serious risk to the safety and well-being of young workers.

Raising Standards and Protecting Children

The report by Human Rights Watch highlights both the progress made by a few states and the areas where improvement is still needed to protect the rights of children in the US. It is crucial that state and national policymakers take urgent action to ensure that all children are safeguarded from harmful practices and are provided with the necessary protections.

Legislative Changes to Address Child Rights

The report identifies several legislative changes that could further improve the protection of children across states. Bills to ban or restrict child marriage have been introduced in Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, South Carolina, and Washington. There is also a bill in New York to ban corporal punishment in all school settings. Additionally, Michigan has proposed a package of bills that aim to ban juvenile life without parole. Furthermore, there is a bill in New Jersey to raise the minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction.

Eradicating Child Marriage

One of the most urgent issues that requires attention is child marriage. States should follow the lead of Connecticut and Vermont by enacting legislation to ban child marriage outright. It is essential that all children are protected from this harmful practice, and state policymakers must prioritize the well-being and rights of young individuals.

Banning Corporal Punishment

The report highlights the need for a nationwide ban on corporal punishment in all school settings, including private schools. Corporal punishment, recognized as a form of violence against children, should have no place in educational institutions. Policymakers should take swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of children in all school environments.

Addressing Youth Justice

State legislatures should focus on raising the minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction to align with international standards. This means setting the minimum age at 14, as endorsed by the American Medical Association. Additionally, efforts should be made to eliminate the practice of trying children as adults in the criminal justice system, as this goes against international standards and the best interests of the child.

Safeguarding Children from Hazardous Child Labor

The report highlights the need to address the issue of hazardous child labor, especially in the agriculture industry. It is essential that all 50 states prohibit hazardous child labor and raise the minimum age for children to work, ensuring that they are protected from dangerous work conditions. Legislators should prioritize the safety and well-being of young workers and take action to eliminate exemptions that can put children at risk.

Conclusion

The report by Human Rights Watch serves as a critical wake-up call to policymakers across US states. While some progress has been made in improving child rights standards, there is still a long way to go to fully protect the rights and well-being of children. It is essential for states to prioritize legislative changes that eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage, corporal punishment, hazardous child labor, and extreme prison sentences. By aligning with international standards, the US can provide a safer and more secure environment for its children, ensuring that they can thrive and reach their full potential.

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