The period of childhood is a phase in which the human being is more vulnerable because they have not finished developing physically or mentally. Furthermore, the child requires a particular attention and protection.

The superior interest of the child

Children deserve a particular attention

The principle of the superior interest of children is also tied to the necessity to protect children. This principle involves two important rules :

• All the decisions regarding children have to be taken in the exclusive interest of each child to ensure their immediate and future well-being.

• All the decisions and acts must imperatively guarantee the child rights. The superior interest of children is subordinated to a protection of the child.

The superior interest of the child targets the well-being of each child

The principle of the superior interest of the child has the goal of promoting and guaranteeing the well-being of all children, on several aspects :

• Physical well-being : ensuring good health and proper development of the child.

• Mental well-being : providing the child the opportunity to develop intellectually.

• Social well-being : ensuring to the child the opportunity to flourish socially and spiritually.

The need to establish a protective background for children

First of all, child protection must be ensured by the parents and the community which surround them, then by the states.

Of course, the well-being of each child cannot be obtained in the same way. Each child is a unique human with specific needs.

Also, his/her individual characteristics (age, gender, health, disability or not, present or absent parents, background, etc.) will allow  identification of their needs in order to bring to fruition their well-being.

Nevertheless, these individual characteristics must be lead to discriminations towards children.

The role of the state for child protection

In order to ensure the child’s well-being and superior interest the states must establish a protection system for the child.

An effective system includes laws, politics, procedures and practices intended to prevent and fight against various problems of mistreatment, violence and discrimination that can damage a child’s well-being.

In order to set up an effective protection system,  the States must first ratify the main principal international standards of protection of children’s rights and then implement it in their legislation. They must also ensure care to certain child profiles (disabled, refugees…)and provide them satisfactory and lasting solutions.

In addition, the States must fight against the customary practices which lead and encourage discrimination and mistreatment towards children.

The role of parents and the community in childhood protection

These adults must have competencies, knowledge and motivation to provide effective protection for children.  They must identify and react against possible cases of discrimination, neglect or mistreatment.

An efficient protection is essential to the children’s well-being because, as vulnerable people, they are more exposed to problems of mistreatment, exploitation, discrimination and violence.

Source: Humanium