[DRAFT 1] Convention on the Rights of the Child

[The Lovely World]

Draft 1:

Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the National Sovereignty Resolution, the World Assembly's primary mission is to improve the world, one resolution at a time,

Bearing in mind that the member nations of the World Assembly have, in the Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking of Persons Resolution and the International War Crimes Convention, reaffirmed their faith in humane conduct and the well-being of individuals, communities, and worlds,

Convinced that the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection,

Recognizing the importance of international cooperation for improving the living conditions of children in every country,

Hereby establishes the following standards regarding the treatment of children:

1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years.

2. Member nations shall ensure the rights set forth in this Convention to each child within their jurisdiction, irrespective of the child's race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.

3. Every child has the inherent right to life.

4. Children shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by their parents.

5. A child shall not be separated from their parents against their will, except when competent authorities determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in particular cases, such as one involving abuse or neglect of the child by the parents, or one where the parents are living separately.

6. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation.

7. Member nations undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. Member nations, in particular, shall take all appropriate measures to prevent:


a. The coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity;

b. Child prostitution;

c. Child pornography.

8. A child who is considered a refugee, in accordance with applicable domestic law, shall receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance.

9. Member nations recognize the right of the child to health care. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To diminish infant and child mortality;

b. To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children;

c. To combat disease and malnutrition;

d. To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers.

10. The child has the right to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical and mental development.


a. The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child's development.

b. Member nations, in accordance with their domestic laws and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to implement this right.

11. The child has the right to education. Member nations, in view of achieving this right, shall:


a. Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;

b. Encourage the development of secondary education, available and accessible to every child, and take appropriate measures such as the introduction of free education and offering financial assistance in case of need;

c. Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools.

12. Member nations recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child.

13. Member nations undertake to pursue national policies designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labor and set the minimum age for admission to employment at a level consistent with the fullest physical and mental development of children.


a. The minimum age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling and, in any case, shall not be less than 15 years.

b. The minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years.

c. This article does not apply to work done by children in schools for general, vocational or technical education.

d. Member nations may permit the employment or work of persons 13 to 15 years of age on light work which is--


I. not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and

II. not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received.


14. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to prevent child abduction and child trafficking.

15. No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below eighteen years of age.

16. Member nations shall prevent the recruitment of children who have not attained the age of fifteen years into their armed forces.

Draft 2:

Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the National Sovereignty Resolution, the World Assembly's primary mission is to improve the world, one resolution at a time,

Bearing in mind that the member nations of the World Assembly have, in the Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking of Persons Resolution and the International War Crimes Convention, reaffirmed their faith in humane conduct and the well-being of individuals, communities, and worlds,

Convinced that the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection,

Recognizing the importance of international cooperation for improving the living conditions of children in every country,

Hereby establishes the following standards regarding the treatment of children:

1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child is any individual under the national age of majority, or equivalent.

2. Member nations shall ensure the rights set forth in this Convention to each child within their jurisdiction, irrespective of the child's race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.

3. Every child has the inherent right to life.

4. Children shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by their parents.

5. A child shall not be separated from their parents against their will, except when competent authorities determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in particular cases, such as one involving abuse or neglect of the child by the parents, or one where the parents are living separately.

6. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation.

7. A child who is considered a refugee, in accordance with applicable domestic law, shall receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance.

8. Member nations recognize the right of the child to health care. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To diminish infant and child mortality;

b. To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children;

c. To combat disease and malnutrition;

d. To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers.

9. The child has the right to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical and mental development.


a. The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child's development.

b. Member nations, in accordance with their domestic laws and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to implement this right.

10. The child has the right to education. Member nations, in view of achieving this right, shall:


a. Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;

b. Encourage the development of secondary education, available and accessible to every child, and take appropriate measures such as the introduction of free education and offering financial assistance in case of need;

c. Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools.

11. Member nations recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child.

12. Member nations undertake to pursue national policies designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labor and set the minimum age for admission to employment at a level consistent with the fullest physical and mental development of children.


a. The minimum age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling.

b. The minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than the national age of majority.

c. This article does not apply to work done by children in schools for general, vocational or technical education.

d. Member nations may permit the employment or work of persons below the age of majority on light work which is--


I. not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and

II. not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received.


13. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to prevent child abduction and child trafficking.

14. No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below the age of majority.

15. Member nations shall prevent the recruitment of children who have not attained the age of completion of compulsory schooling into their armed forces.

Draft 3:

Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the National Sovereignty Resolution, the World Assembly's primary mission is to improve the world, one resolution at a time,

Bearing in mind that the member nations of the World Assembly have, in the Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking of Persons Resolution and the International War Crimes Convention, reaffirmed their faith in humane conduct and the well-being of individuals, communities, and worlds,

Convinced that the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection,

Recognizing the importance of international cooperation for improving the living conditions of children in every country,

Hereby establishes the following standards regarding the treatment of children:

1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child is any individual, after birth yet under the national age of majority, or equivalent.

2. Member nations shall ensure the rights set forth in this Convention to each child within their jurisdiction, irrespective of the child's race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.

3. Every child has the inherent right to life.

4. Children shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by their parents.

5. A child shall not be separated from their parents against their will, except when competent authorities determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in particular cases, such as one involving a parent convicted of abuse or neglect, or one where the parents are living separately.

6. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to protect the child from all forms of physical violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation.

7. A child who is considered a refugee, in accordance with applicable domestic law, shall receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance.

8. Member nations recognize the right of the child to health care. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To diminish infant and child mortality;

b. To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children;

c. To combat disease and malnutrition;

d. To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers.

9. The child has the right to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical and mental development.


a. The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child's development.

b. Member nations, in accordance with their domestic laws and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to implement this right.

10. Member nations recognize the right of the child to an education. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To ensure primary education is compulsory and available to all children;

b. To encourage the development of secondary education, available and accessible to every child;

c. Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools.

11. Member nations recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child.

12. Member nations undertake to pursue national policies designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labor and set the minimum age for admission to employment at a level consistent with the fullest physical and mental development of children.


a. The minimum age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling.

b. The minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than the national age of majority.

c. This article does not apply to work done by children in schools for general, vocational or technical education.

d. Member nations may permit the employment or work of persons below the age of majority on light work which is--


I. not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and

II. not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received.


13. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to prevent child abduction and child trafficking.

14. No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below the age of majority.

15. Member nations shall prevent the recruitment of children who have not attained the age of completion of compulsory schooling into their armed forces.

Draft 4:
Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the National Sovereignty Resolution, the World Assembly's primary mission is to improve the world, one resolution at a time,

Bearing in mind that the member nations of the World Assembly have, in the Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking of Persons Resolution and the International War Crimes Convention, reaffirmed their faith in humane conduct and the well-being of individuals, communities, and worlds,

Convinced that the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection,

Recognizing the importance of international cooperation for improving the living conditions of children in every country,

Hereby establishes the following standards regarding the treatment of children:

1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child is any individual, after birth yet under the national age of majority, or equivalent.

2. Member nations shall ensure the rights set forth in this Convention to each child within their jurisdiction, irrespective of the child's race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.

3. Every child has the inherent right to life.

4. Children shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by their parents.

5. A child shall not be separated from their parents against their will, except when competent authorities determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in particular cases, such as one involving a parent convicted of abuse or neglect, or one where the parents are living separately.

6. Member nations shall take all appropriate and reasonable measures to protect the child from all forms of physical violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation.

7. A child who is considered a refugee, in accordance with applicable domestic law, shall receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance.

8. Member nations recognize the right of the child to health care. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To diminish infant and child mortality;

b. To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children;

c. To combat disease and malnutrition;

d. To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers.

9. The child has the right to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical and mental development.


a. The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child's development.

b. Member nations, in accordance with their domestic laws and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to implement this right.

10. Member nations recognize the right of the child to an education. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To ensure primary education is compulsory and available to all children;

b. To encourage the development of secondary education, available and accessible to every child;

c. Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools.

11. Member nations recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child.

12. Member nations undertake to pursue national policies designed to ensure the effective abolition of the child labor of primary-school age children. Member nations set the minimum age for admission to employment at a level consistent with the fullest physical and mental development of children.


a. The minimum age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of primary school.

b. The minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than the national age of majority.

c. This article does not apply to work done by children in schools for general, vocational or technical education.

d. Member nations may permit the employment or work of persons below the age of majority on light work which is--


I. not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and

II. not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received.


13. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to prevent child abduction and child trafficking.

14. No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Capital punishment shall not be imposed for offenses committed by children below the age of majority. Life imprisonment without possibility of release shall not be imposed for children below the age of completion of compulsory schooling.

15. Member nations shall not send child-soldiers into active war zones.

[Kshemarashtram]

Hello. I may have more comments on this proposal, but right off the bat, I'd say that many nations have non-human "sophont" beings, many of them have vastly different lifespans, so your clauses arbitrarily setting certain ages as benchmarks for certain things (like human being below eighteen years being considered a child) would be ignoring that.

[The Lovely World]

Hello. I may have more comments on this proposal, but right off the bat, I'd say that many nations have non-human "sophont" beings, many of them have vastly different lifespans, so your clauses arbitrarily setting certain ages as benchmarks for certain things (like human being below eighteen years being considered a child) would be ignoring that.

Hi! I can't say I'm very familiar with non-human sophont beings. Would it be appropriate to just exclude them, and specify that this resolution applies to human children? Or do non-human sophont beings have their own equivalents to human 'childhood', and maybe I could specify that the equivalent protections of non-human children could be regulated by domestic law? Thanks!

[Kshemarashtram]

Hi! I can't say I'm very familiar with non-human sophont beings. Would it be appropriate to just exclude them, and specify that this resolution applies to human children? Or do non-human sophont beings have their own equivalents to human 'childhood', and maybe I could specify that the equivalent protections of non-human children could be regulated by domestic law? Thanks!

Well, many people do roleplay in a way that these non-human beings have thoughts, feelings, passions, ambitions, just like humans do. So I believe if the GA is passing legislation on such topics, the protections should be provided to those beings too. Offering them no protections and leaving it entirely to domestic law, while still offering those protections to just humans, would allow states to oppress these beings while only providing protections to humans, which would be unnecessarily discriminatory.

To be honest, I can't quite think of a good alternative to that yet. Maybe use a certain percentage of the lifespan to be considered "childhood"? But even this may significantly vary depending on species. So can't quite suggest an alternative yet, sorry about that

For what it's worth, my nation does not have non-human sophont beings, but I believe that for the nations that do, the protections should apply to those beings as well.

But hey, this is a good first draft! You can improve it gradually in the days to come

[The Lovely World]

To be honest, I can't quite think of a good alternative to that yet. Maybe use a certain percentage of the lifespan to be considered "childhood"? But even this may significantly vary depending on species. So can't quite suggest an alternative yet, sorry about that

For what it's worth, my nation does not have non-human sophont beings, but I believe that for the nations that do, the protections should apply to those beings as well.

But hey, this is a good first draft! You can improve it gradually in the days to come

Thank you! :^)

[Rosettan Overwatch]

OSRS Banned Topics.
Proposals cannot mention Banned Topics, assume they are already illegal. Thus, #7 is redundant and can be struck out.

For 13; us Arothi mature at 125. All Xenos species in our territory age faster or shorter than the common Human; we have species that age and die within the week, for example. We already have comprehensive Common Maturity Age laws. This law is thus redundant, and so we vote against since it does nothing helpful for us, but only adds needless complexity to Our system.

/ed1; fix color tag
/ed2; add fluff

[Kurgao]

Hi! I can't say I'm very familiar with non-human sophont beings. Would it be appropriate to just exclude them, and specify that this resolution applies to human children? Or do non-human sophont beings have their own equivalents to human 'childhood', and maybe I could specify that the equivalent protections of non-human children could be regulated by domestic law? Thanks!

You could express the restrictions in fractions of the applicable age of majority. Example of this would be 13-a which instead of restricting employment to over fifteen years, would restrict employment to those over 4/5 their age of majority.

[The Lovely World]

Hi all! With the second draft’s edits, should I submit this?

[Kshemarashtram]

Hi all! With the second draft’s edits, should I submit this?

I suggest you to wait at least 2 weeks before submission. It's been just 2 days since you posted the first draft. People may have more feedback to offer, but have personal lives and work outside of NS, so they can only offer it when they get time. 2 days of drafting is usually not enough.

Edit: If not 2 weeks, I'd say at least a week is the bare minimum.

[Meraud]

Hereby establishes the following standards regarding the treatment of children:

1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child is any individual under the national age of majority, or equivalent.
No problem with this clause as it respects domestic law.

2. Member nations shall ensure the rights set forth in this Convention to each child within their jurisdiction, irrespective of the child's race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.
No problem with this clause.

3. Every child has the inherent right to life.
While highly commendable, this will outlaw abortion. Due to its large number of supporters, it would likely be wise to do that separately rather than allow it to damage this resolution.

4. Children shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by their parents.
Not all societies have formal birth documentation. Keep the rest of it, just strike the "registered immediately after birth."

5. A child shall not be separated from their parents against their will, except when competent authorities determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in particular cases, such as one involving abuse or neglect of the child by the parents, or one where the parents are living separately.
Replace with "parents convicted of criminal acts." Just because little Timmy is not given dessert if he does not load the dishwasher is not abuse.

6. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation.
Mental violence does not exist, that leads to the state declaring certain ideas as "violent" and having an excuse to take children from political opposition.

7. A child who is considered a refugee, in accordance with applicable domestic law, shall receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance.
No problem with this clause as it respects domestic law.

8. Member nations recognize the right of the child to health care. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To diminish infant and child mortality;
b. To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children;
c. To combat disease and malnutrition;
d. To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers.
No problem with this clause as it does not legislate universal healthcare.

9. The child has the right to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical and mental development.


a. The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child's development.
b. Member nations, in accordance with their domestic laws and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to implement this right.
No problem with this clause as it does not legislate welfare and respects domestic law.

10. The child has the right to education. Member nations, in view of achieving this right, shall:


a. Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;
b. Encourage the development of secondary education, available and accessible to every child, and take appropriate measures such as the introduction of free education and offering financial assistance in case of need;
c. Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools.
This requires state-funded public education and thereby violates domestic law (for Meraud). Continue with the same successful model you applied toward health and financial support by respecting domestic law and not mandating state-funded education.

11. Member nations recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child.
This could far too easily be misconstrued to mandate parenting styles.

12. Member nations undertake to pursue national policies designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labor and set the minimum age for admission to employment at a level consistent with the fullest physical and mental development of children.


a. The minimum age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling.
b. The minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than the national age of majority.
c. This article does not apply to work done by children in schools for general, vocational or technical education.
d. Member nations may permit the employment or work of persons below the age of majority on light work which is--

I. not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and
II. not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received.

Meraud is proud to support a free economy including child labor. As such (with parental consent) children are allowed to work and earn. Get rid of "not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received" and leave the only prohibition being that which which is harmful to their health.

13. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to prevent child abduction and child trafficking.
No problem with this clause.

14. No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below the age of majority.
Meraudian law prohibits both torture and capital punishment for all. However, children may be given life imprisonment for severe crimes. Children are capable of making decisions, and if they commit a crime they can not make restitution for (i.e., murder), their age is not going to get them out of it.

15. Member nations shall prevent the recruitment of children who have not attained the age of completion of compulsory schooling into their armed forces.
Meraud authorizes children, specifically those without parents (i.e., orphans), to join the MSC (Meraudian Submariner Corps). While restricted from serving on dedicated combat vessels, these orphans gain skills while serving on other vessels.

[The Lovely World]

I suggest you to wait at least 2 weeks before submission. It's been just 2 days since you posted the first draft. People may have more feedback to offer, but have personal lives and work outside of NS, so they can only offer it when they get time. 2 days of drafting is usually not enough.

Edit: If not 2 weeks, I'd say at least a week is the bare minimum.

Thank you so much!! Will do!

[General TN]

1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child is any individual under the national age of majority, or equivalent.

Mor Sel, who was hobbling by, peers in and spots this clause. "When does one start being a child? You set the maximum but what's the minimum? By this definition, was I a child when I was dust floating in the early universe?"

[Zetaopalatopia]

What if the national age of majority is at birth?

[The Lovely World]

Hi all! I tried to implement most of your suggestions in Draft 3—except for some of the Meraudian ambassador’s suggestions, which rather seem to go against the spirit of…well…the child having rights. Let me know what you think.

[Zetaopalatopia]

Ok so ten seconds after birth is still after birth. A nation need only declare their age of majority to the age they wish people to enter the workforce. Be that one month or thirty years. Though I guess age of majority is a good comprise as that would also mean that anyone past it would have some say in a democratic government.

[The Lovely World]

Ok so ten seconds after birth is still after birth. A nation need only declare their age of majority to the age they wish people to enter the workforce. Be that one month or thirty years. Though I guess age of majority is a good comprise as that would also mean that anyone past it would have some say in a democratic government.

Yes, very true… Which definitely isn’t the best case scenario, but I’m not sure how else to write the proposal, given all of the non-human nations. If the WA were only humans, I’d simply say under 18, like my first proposal. Are there any good alternatives to ‘age of majority’?

I know the ambassador of Karguo suggested expressing age in terms of a fraction of a being’s lifespan, but that really doesn’t make sense for humans, I fear. E.g., if we make a ‘child’ 1/4 of a being’s average lifespan, a human country that usually lives to ninety would have children be under-22.5, while a human country with an average lifespan of 61 would have children be under-15.25. And these are both plausible average lifespans!

[Kshemarashtram]

Yes, very true… Which definitely isn’t the best case scenario, but I’m not sure how else to write the proposal, given all of the non-human nations. If the WA were only humans, I’d simply say under 18, like my first proposal. Are there any good alternatives to ‘age of majority’?

I know the ambassador of Karguo suggested expressing age in terms of a fraction of a being’s lifespan, but that really doesn’t make sense for humans, I fear. E.g., if we make a ‘child’ 1/4 of a being’s average lifespan, a human country that usually lives to ninety would have children be under-22.5, while a human country with an average lifespan of 61 would have children be under-15.25. And these are both plausible average lifespans!

In my opinion, the age to be considered a child is something that should be left to national law itself. While I acknowledge that this can be misused by many states, I also don't think it is any business of the WA to dictate what shall be the age of childhood or adulthood for the citizens of a member-state. Maybe future resolutions enshrining more freedoms would help in combating some loopholes member-states may use to exploit their population. But for this particular case, I believe leaving it to the national age of majority (as you have done now) is the best thing to do in the interests of national sovereignty.

I'm yet to offer my feedback on the draft as a whole, but I'm just not finding enough time. Maybe when I get time...

[Zetaopalatopia]

We find item 12 to be too restrictive. We believe in the right to gainful employment for all ages, and restricting the entry into the workforce to adults or otherwise limiting youth participation is in our view is ageism.

While we agree that safety in a youth work place is important as a goal, preventing those who wish to work from doing so we feel is not the solution. The rights of the child should include the right to work.

[Hesitant Dispatch 440]

OOC:

As asked by General TN, this proposal doesn't answer when a living being can start to be counted as a child. Each jurisdiction has a different interpretation of when that is, and if leaving this up to member-states is intentional, it should be explicitly laid out in the text.

[The Lovely World]

OOC:

As asked by General TN, this proposal doesn't answer when a living being can start to be counted as a child. Each jurisdiction has a different interpretation of when that is, and if leaving this up to member-states is intentional, it should be explicitly laid out in the text.

I tried to fix this in draft 3! I wrote, "1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child is any individual, after birth yet under the national age of majority, or equivalent." This would mean immediately after birth, so it wouldn't count being space dust or outlawing abortion.

[Lipizia]

Draft 3:
Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the National Sovereignty Resolution, the World Assembly's primary mission is to improve the world, one resolution at a time,

Bearing in mind that the member nations of the World Assembly have, in the Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking of Persons Resolution and the International War Crimes Convention, reaffirmed their faith in humane conduct and the well-being of individuals, communities, and worlds,

Convinced that the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection,

Recognizing the importance of international cooperation for improving the living conditions of children in every country,

Hereby establishes the following standards regarding the treatment of children:

1. For the purposes of the present Convention, a child is any individual, after birth yet under the national age of majority, or equivalent.

2. Member nations shall ensure the rights set forth in this Convention to each child within their jurisdiction, irrespective of the child's race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.

3. Every child has the inherent right to life.

4. Children shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by their parents.

5. A child shall not be separated from their parents against their will, except when competent authorities determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in particular cases, such as one involving a parent convicted of abuse or neglect, or one where the parents are living separately.

6. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to protect the child from all forms of physical violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation.

7. A child who is considered a refugee, in accordance with applicable domestic law, shall receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance.

8. Member nations recognize the right of the child to health care. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To diminish infant and child mortality;

b. To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children;

c. To combat disease and malnutrition;

d. To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers.

9. The child has the right to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical and mental development.


a. The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child's development.

b. Member nations, in accordance with their domestic laws and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to implement this right.

10. Member nations recognize the right of the child to an education. Member nations, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:


a. To ensure primary education is compulsory and available to all children;

b. To encourage the development of secondary education, available and accessible to every child;

c. Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools.

11. Member nations recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child.

12. Member nations undertake to pursue national policies designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labor and set the minimum age for admission to employment at a level consistent with the fullest physical and mental development of children.


a. The minimum age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling.

b. The minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than the national age of majority.

c. This article does not apply to work done by children in schools for general, vocational or technical education.

d. Member nations may permit the employment or work of persons below the age of majority on light work which is--


I. not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and

II. not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received.


13. Member nations shall take all appropriate measures to prevent child abduction and child trafficking.

14. No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below the age of majority.

15. Member nations shall prevent the recruitment of children who have not attained the age of completion of compulsory schooling into their armed forces.

[/quote]
Sorry, but I was recensing draft 1 Anyway, I can say you thaT I'm Neutral.

[Zetaopalatopia]

compulsory Defined: 'required by law, rule, or custom, leaving no room for choice or refusal.'

For a proposal that claims to be pro the rights of children the word compulsory being in the text we find counter to the goal. The right to be forced into an education. The legal inability to find gainful employment so long as they are being forced into said education? Sounds like the proposal is intended to keep children in their place, not to give them rights as an individual.

Of course encourage schooling, and make sure the work they do choose to take on if any is safe, but to give them no choice but to go to school by penalty of law? To bar them from working? That sounds like the stripping of rights, not the granting of them.

[The Lovely World]

For a proposal that claims to be pro the rights of children the word compulsory being in the text we find counter to the goal. The right to be forced into an education. The legal inability to find gainful employment so long as they are being forced into said education? Sounds like the proposal is intended to keep children in their place, not to give them rights as an individual. Of course encourage schooling, and make sure the work they do choose to take on if any is safe, but to give them no choice but to go to school by penalty of law? To bar them from working? That sounds like the stripping of rights, not the granting of them.

Hello! I can see why one would think that compulsory education / child labor could be against the liberty of children, given the fact that it does limit the options available for children. However, I would implore you and all others to consider the inherent vulnerability of the child, and their need for schooling.

First, perhaps, we could fall in line with Pope Leo XIV, and formulate the right to education as the "right to knowledge." He writes, "Children have a right to knowledge as a fundamental requirement for the recognition of human dignity." It's not simply about "forcing" them to go to school, but a recognition that all persons deserve the basic knowledge that comes from, at minimum, a primary education. This isn't a big ask--the Convention on the Rights of the Child does not mandate, say, secondary or tertiary education--but truly, only the most basic level of education, so that children may have the dignity to know a modicum of truth about the world they live in.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's famous explanation: "We are born weak, we need strength; we are born destitute of all things, we need assistance; we are born stupid, we need judgment. All that we have not at our birth, and that we need when grown up, is given us by education."

For a nation to lack a compulsory education deprives children of their right to knowledge, and rather, forces and compels a state of ignorance. Children are too young to choose to deprive themselves of an education at the tender primary school age. To deprive a child of a primary education is to force them to be an illiterate and ignorant adult.

I would implore all skeptics to read this commendable treatise, "An address on compulsory education" by Richard Gardner.

He makes the excellent point that, even if education is made available to all, children will not receive the education they are entitled to due to factors outside of their control, necessitating a compulsory education. Simply "offering" education will not help a large amount of children, since they will still be prevented from going to school by:

1. Apathetic parents
2. Poor parents who send their children to work
3. Children whose parents are incapable of being present in their lives to manage their education

We can also acknowledge the truth of Gardner's writing in that, it isn't really children who decide whether or not they'll be educated. It's the parents. Primary-school age children really just can't, and in practice/reality, don't make decisions for themselves. It's their parents who do. So, compulsory education really restricts the freedom of the parents. But, just as parents generally do not have the liberty to voluntarily starve their children, or the liberty to beat them half to death, parents cannot have the liberty to deprive their children of an education.

I believe all of this is adequately covered in draft 3 by my appeals to both humane conduct and the special safeguards/care children deserve, but I'd be happy to elaborate on this within the proposal.

[Zetaopalatopia]

For a proposal that claims to be pro the rights of children the word compulsory being in the text we find counter to the goal. The right to be forced into an education. The legal inability to find gainful employment so long as they are being forced into said education? Sounds like the proposal is intended to keep children in their place, not to give them rights as an individual. Of course encourage schooling, and make sure the work they do choose to take on if any is safe, but to give them no choice but to go to school by penalty of law? To bar them from working? That sounds like the stripping of rights, not the granting of them.

Hello! I can see why one would think that compulsory education / child labor could be against the liberty of children, given the fact that it does limit the options available for children. However, I would implore you and all others to consider the inherent vulnerability of the child, and their need for schooling.

First, perhaps, we could fall in line with Pope Leo XIV, and formulate the right to education as the "right to knowledge." He writes, "Children have a right to knowledge as a fundamental requirement for the recognition of human dignity." It's not simply about "forcing" them to go to school, but a recognition that all persons deserve the basic knowledge that comes from, at minimum, a primary education. This isn't a big ask--the Convention on the Rights of the Child does not mandate, say, secondary or tertiary education--but truly, only the most basic level of education, so that children may have the dignity to know a modicum of truth about the world they live in.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's famous explanation: "We are born weak, we need strength; we are born destitute of all things, we need assistance; we are born stupid, we need judgment. All that we have not at our birth, and that we need when grown up, is given us by education."

For a nation to lack a compulsory education deprives children of their right to knowledge, and rather, forces and compels a state of ignorance. Children are too young to choose to deprive themselves of an education at the tender primary school age. To deprive a child of a primary education is to force them to be an illiterate and ignorant adult.

I would implore all skeptics to read this commendable treatise, "An address on compulsory education" by Richard Gardner.

He makes the excellent point that, even if education is made available to all, children will not receive the education they are entitled to due to factors outside of their control, necessitating a compulsory education. Simply "offering" education will not help a large amount of children, since they will still be prevented from going to school by:

1. Apathetic parents
2. Poor parents who send their children to work
3. Children whose parents are incapable of being present in their lives to manage their education

We can also acknowledge the truth of Gardner's writing in that, it isn't really children who decide whether or not they'll be educated. It's the parents. Primary-school age children really just can't, and in practice/reality, don't make decisions for themselves. It's their parents who do. So, compulsory education really restricts the freedom of the parents. But, just as parents generally do not have the liberty to voluntarily starve their children, or the liberty to beat them half to death, parents cannot have the liberty to deprive their children of an education.

I believe all of this is adequately covered in draft 3 by my appeals to both humane conduct and the special safeguards/care children deserve, but I'd be happy to elaborate on this within the proposal.

But we are still ignoring a child's right to choose work on their own. And as for the three points you make, a simple fix is parental licensing. Most jobs won't hire someone who isn't basically educated in the first place, so having the option for work in fact acts as an incentive to send one's kids to school, or better yet encourages the kids to choose to do so on their own. To be truly child rights, one would need take the child's opinion over the parent's opinion. After all if the parent has say over the child, then they are acting as the owner of the child, and that is akin to slavery.

In my nation, what most others would call children both go to school, and have the option to work toward independent income on their own terms. If this proposal goes to vote as is and the canceling of the child labor policy is one of the determined outcomes I will have to vote against and not adopt. Labor and education can coexist, and I feel while there are some carve outs to allow a route to employment in limited circumstances, we find the allowed to be so limited as to do more harm than good. What better way to learn how money works than to work in retail as a cashier or a bookkeeper's assistant? What better way to learn anatomy than in a butcher shop or as a coroner's aid?

That all said, the national 'age' of majority in my nation is not based on age but on merit. One simply needs pass a test of basic knowledge to be considered an adult for legal matters, most pass by age twelve, though some continue to fail into their early twenties. The youngest to ever pass in recent history was nine.

( OOC: I'm letting middle school me speak through a bit here, as I was pissed as a kid that I couldn't get a paying job because I was 'too young' and 'still in school'. )

[The Lovely World]

[If this proposal goes to vote as is and the canceling of the child labor policy is one of the determined outcomes I will have to vote against and not adopt.

Given that a child labor policy rather goes against the spirit of ‘the rights of the child,’ I’m afraid I cannot in good conscience alter the proposal. I would recommend you simply do not adopt the resolution, if it passes.

Are there any other ways I can improve the proposal, while keeping to the goals of the proposal?

((OOC: Lmao real))