International Day for Street Children 12 April
Today, despite the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child almost 30 years ago, an estimated 120 million children worldwide live on the streets.
Article 20 of the Convention provides that a child temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment, or in whose own best interests cannot be allowed to remain in that environment, shall be entitled to special protection and assistance provided by the State. States parties must also undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse (Art. 34), to ensure the right of the child to education (Art. 28) and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health (Art. 24).
However, although this Convention is the most ratified Convention on human rights (196 States Parties including all eligible states except the United States), and its provisions are legally binding, the above-mentioned rights are not enjoyed by a great number of children, and in particular by those in street situations.
Indeed, the majority of them are left behind and forced to beg or work to meet their primary needs. They are deprived of an adequate housing, food, a safe environment, education and health care. Young girls living on the streets are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and abuse, and are sometimes compelled to resort to clandestine abortions, putting their health at even greater risk. Surviving is a daily struggle for these children and young people living in an extremely vulnerable situation.
The FAAI, Apprentis d'Auteuil and its international partners are actively engaging within the international network "Consortium for Street Children" to defend the rights of street children in their countries by organizing each year since 2012, an International Day for Street Children on April 12. Thus, all over the world, these children and young people have the opportunity to voice their concerns, talk about their daily lives, their needs and dreams. It is fundamental to stress that street children have the same rights as every other child.