Parent Trap
By Catherina Hurlburt
July/August 2001 Family Voice

“Children’s rights must be protected.” How could a merciful person oppose this statement?

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) uses this argument to entrap parents. UNICEF is overseeing the 10-year review of the document from the World Summit for Children (WSC). Its proposals attack parental rights while affording children the same “rights” as adults.

Concern for my daughter’s future spurred me on as I accompanied other Concerned Women for America (CWA) representatives, Julie Neff and Rebecca Riggs, to the preparatory meeting (prepcom) held January 29-February 2. Many ideas presented at this conference should concern parents.

Namely, WSC urges nations to ratify the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Some of this treaty is good. For example, the Preamble affords legal protection to children “before as well as after birth.” However, it is subject to interpretation by a committee of foreign representatives who may enforce their opinions when judging signatory countries.

For example, this committee expressed concern that England allows parents to remove their children from explicit sex education classes. What meets approval? In El Salvador and Nicaragua, UNICEF distributed sex education manuals, with graphic illustrations of various sexual acts, for children as young as age 10.

Usually delegates, who are accountable to their nations, negotiate U.N. documents line-by-line. Oddly at WSC, UNICEF did not accept delegates’ input until the final prepcom. For the June prepcom (underway as Family Voice went to press), UNICEF revised the document leaving in language that would open the door for abortion and homosexual rights.

On a positive note, the U.S. delegation under the Bush administration has stressed the importance of parents, noting the danger of the CRC. But the European Union and Canada vehemently oppose pro-family ideals, noted Austin Ruse. In fact, in June Canada admitted it advocates abortion rights for children.

“Much of the work done is behind the scenes,” said Bob Flores of the National Law Center for Children and Families, who advised the U.S. delegation. That’s why CWA representatives lobbied in June.

“Parents are essential to a child’s well being,” said CWA representative Rebecca Riggs. “The stability of the family helps ensure youth a better future.”

While CWA advocates to protect children at the United Nations, citizens must also act. Urge your senators NOT to ratify the CRC. With my little girl’s future at stake, I know I will.

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