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An Exploration of Children's Rights within Creative Arts in Early Childhood
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Creative Arts
Hi my name is Roisin Donnelly and I am a Student in Life Long Learning at IT Carlow and I am currently conducting a piece of research as part of a Masters in Leadership in Early Childhood Education in the Early Years. I have chosen to base my research on Children's Right in Creative Arts in early childhood and i am interested to find out how Early Years Practitioners support Children's Rights when engaging in Creative Art activities in every day practice and to address if more training regarding Children's Rights (UNCRC) is required. My research is underpinned by Articles 3, 12 and 31 of the UNCRC. Most young children in Ireland are now receiving a pre-school experience of at least 10 months duration, with 96% of three-year-old children accessing the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme (Government of Ireland, 2018). Many more children now have an even greater opportunity to benefit from the arts expereinces with the extension of the ECCE scheme to children of two years and eight months. Raising awareness of the fundamental value and benefits that creative arts experiences offer in enhancing children's lives will be central to ensuring equality of access to creative arts for all children.
The following are the full Articles of 3, 12 and 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Article 3 1. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. 2. States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures. 3. States Parties shall ensure that the institutions, services and facilities responsible for the care or protection of children shall conform with the standards established by competent authorities, particularly in the areas of safety, health, in the number and suitability of their staff, as well as competent supervision.
Article 12 1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child. 2. For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.
Article 31 1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts. 2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.