The Right to Development - to education, care, leisure, recreation.

The Right to Development means that all children will be able to grow to their full potential through quality education , leisure and play , with cultural activities ,access to information ,freedom of thoughts and religion including freedom from discrimination . These are included in the articles 14-31 and 40 of the CRC act.

Often the overall Right to Development of the child even in the best of families or Government agencies is overlooked by just concentrating on the academic side of the education . The implication of the word DEVELOPMENT in the CRC act is much wider and deeper than just free school. Article 31 of the CRC that stipulates that a Child has the Right to Leisure, Play and Participation in Cultural and Artistic activities. These are often ignored or neglected as secondary and less important contribution to a child’s development.

The Right to Development is an important key for the child to enter the difficult teenage years with a more discerning spirit which will help him assess the dangers of drugs or unprotected sexual activities with more lucidity and confidence that could prevent him falling into the trap that awaits so many unprepared youths.

For many countries including Thailand, The Right to Development is not yet well understood that it covers a whole range of many more sustainable activities to which the child is entitled to rich and poor alike such as Sports Music Art works in various forms and Youth Clubs should be encouraged on a daily, easily available and above all free access to all children. These activities are still considered to be a luxury that very few can afford. Even a district or sub-district communal swimming pool for local schools is still not readily considered as an important tool to Child Development. A proper and well managed Youth Club throughout the country still remain an inconceivable request for funding on the Government’s yearly budget.

The article 40 of the CRC states that a child in conflict with the law has the right to be treated in a certain manner which maintains the child’s sense of dignity and worthiness taking the child’s age into account with the aim of his or her re-integration into society. The child is also entitled to legal assistance or any other help for his or her defense. This article also stipulates that judicial proceedings and institutional placement shall be avoided whenever possible.

The understanding of Child Right to Development issue by any government agency must happen hand in hand with the genuine desire to create a bright and secure future for the country which requires a great vision and farsightedness.