Introduction

Children come into the world after nine months in the mother’s womb. They grow while living and finding their way through life. Some are fortunate, while others struggle to secure the opportunities they deserve. Children are the protagonists of this story.

Becoming a Rights Holder

Rights refer to the ability to act in a certain way and to enjoy certain benefits. This is one of the definitions taught in schools in Madagascar to emphasize access to rights. These rights belong to every individual, regardless of nationality, skin color, sex, ethnicity, customs and traditions, mother tongue, language, standard of living, or level of education. For a child, enjoying these rights begins at birth. Bringing a child into the world is an expression of love, while losing a child is a profound pain for parents and, indeed, for humanity as a whole.

The Quest for Resources

Humanity strives to create a balanced system. From the national to the international level, and from Madagascar to Africa as a whole, every child should have the opportunity to progress through the different levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Physiological needs include healthy and balanced nutrition, which is essential for proper physical and psychological development. Safety needs involve a healthy and secure environment, access to healthcare, and a stable family setting where positive memories can be created. This is followed by the need for belonging, where love takes center stage. Every child deserves the support, affection, and love of their family. Beyond these needs lie esteem needs, where every small step taken by a child can be a source of great pride for parents and can also build the child’s self-confidence. At the highest level is the need for self-actualization. This is when a child begins to dream and pursue achievements. Every child discovers their purpose, gives meaning to their life, and develops hope for the future. Each need plays a crucial role in a child’s development.

Discovering Different Realities

Every family has its own story. On the one hand, some children grow up in homes where their parents provide for their needs, whether they are only children, part of a larger family, biological children, adopted children, or members of blended families. They grow up surrounded by happiness and are able to enjoy their rights. On the other hand, some children are forced to perform small jobs or beg for money simply to survive. They use sidewalks as beds and the starry sky as their blanket, facing cold nights and uncertainty. Their minds may be filled with doubt, yet they continue to hope for a second chance. Every daily struggle they overcome is already a victory. It is with the aim of protecting children’s rights and well-being that the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted on November 20, 1989, to address their fundamental needs.

Conclusion

Every child deserves the opportunity to fully exercise their rights in this world. These young human beings are among the greatest gifts humanity can receive. Every child deserves to live in good conditions, regardless of where they are or the circumstances in which they grow up.

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