A Children’s Right’s-based Approach to Achieving the Four Capacities

A knowledge and understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child supports children and schools in developing the 4 capacities.

One of the fundamental rights, article 12, describes how all children have the right “to express [their] views freely in all matters affecting [them]” – promoting active participation in all areas of public life.

Other articles outline the principles of non-discrimination, including on the grounds of gender, race and religion; support for children with disabilities; the need for information and support for preventative health and mental health services. These and the many other issues covered in the Convention are of direct interest and relevance to children and can help them explore specific issues as well as instilling, within the whole school, respect for rights and the corresponding need to accept responsibilities. We will bring together teachers and people working to promote children's rights to describe how embedding a rights-based approach in schools and learning about rights in school creates successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.