The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is turning 30 this year. The CRC is the most comprehensive human rights treaty on children’s rights and notably the most widely ratified treaty since its introduction 30 years ago. The treaty has been ratified by every country with one notable exception — the United States, which has never even sent it to the Senate for consent and approval.
While there is no good reason for the United States not to ratify the CRC, there are several reasons why we urgently need it. Ratifying the convention is not just about saving face in the international community — it will require us to confront some hard truths about the exceptionally bad way we treat children in this country, work to bring our laws and practices in line with international law, and ensure that children’s rights are human rights.
In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the CRC, HRE USA is galvanizing support to not only work towards the ultimate goal of U.S. ratification of the CRC, but also, to partner with individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities to achieve the short-term goal of the endorsement of the CRC at state, local, and school district levels. Overall we hope the campaign will increase awareness of the importance of the CRC and how the U.S. falls short in fulfilling the rights of the child.
To get involved and join the working group, please contact Benil Mostafa.
RESOURCES
CITY RESOLUTIONS
| Austin, TX (1991) |
| Cambridge, MA (1991) |
| Chicago, IL (2009) |
| Cleveland, OH |
| Culver City, CA (2020) Background Information |
| Detroit, MI |
| Kansas City, MO |
| Los Angeles, CA (2006) |
| Minneapolis, MN (2019) and Minneapolis Mayor’s Proclamation (2021) [honor previous city resolution (1990)] |
| New York, NY (2011) |
| Santa Clarita, CA (2010) |
| San Diego, CA (1991) |
| San Francisco, CA (2019) |
| Santa Monica, CA (2010) |
| Savannah, GA (1991) |
| West Hartford, CT (2019) |
STATE RESOLUTIONS & GOVERNOR PROCLAMATIONS
| Connecticut (2013) |
| Colorado – Proclamation (1990) |
| Hawaii (2007) |
| Idaho – Proclamation (1990) |
| Illinois (2013) |
| Kentucky – Proclamation (1990) |
| Maine (1999) |
| Nevada – Proclamation (1990) |
| New Jersey (2006) |
| New MexIco – Proclamation (1990) |
| New York (1989) & Proclamation (1990) |
| North Carolina – Proclamation (1990) |
| Oregon (2009) |
| Rhode Island (2002) |
| Vermont (1997) |
| South Carolina (1992) & Proclamation (1990) |
HRE USA wants to keep this list updated and growing. Please share any further resources, proclamations, resolutions, and actions you are undertaking on the Convention on the Rights of the Child in your local schools and communities with Benil Mostafa and Kristi Rudelius-Palmer.
hreusa.org 