Advocating for Children: National and International Contexts

Introduction
The right of protection is stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (UNICEF, 2013) and its purpose is to set the rights that “must be realised for children to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse” (UNICEF, 2014: p1). It focuses on children, defined as any person under the age of 18 and also sets out how the protection should be met. Alderson (2008) noted that since humans are most vulnerable in their childhood when they are growing physically and mentally, particular attention and protection should be offered to them. This necessitates that children be protected through guaranteed rights of social, physical and mental wellbeing which is possible through creation of protective background and environment for children (Jones & Walker, 2011). The governments are hence responsible for creating environment where children’s protection and wellbeing are guaranteed as per the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
According to Article 4 of the convention on the rights of the child governments have a responsibility to ensure the rights of children are protected, respected and fulfilled by taking all necessary measures (UNICEF UK, 2009). These actions include measures such as legal frameworks, funding schemes and setting up the necessary systems and structures to facilitate and guarantee these rights (Reading et al., 2009). In addition to Article 4, other articles that articulate protection of children are protections of Kidnapping and trafficking (11), All forms of violence (19), Deprivation of family environment (20), Adopted children (21), Refugee children (22), while articles 32 to 41 are on Child labour; Drug abuse; Sexual exploitation; abduction, sale and trafficking; Other forms of exploitation; Detention and punishment; War and armed conflicts; Rehabilitation of child victims; Juvenile justice and Respect for superior national standards (North, 2014). This right to protection is...