U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

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The United States has signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); however, it remains the only United Nations member state to have not ratified it after Somalia ratified it in 2015.^[1]

The UNCRC aims to protect and promote the rights of all children around the world. It was the first international treaty to integrate all human rights in reference to children, encouraging them to participate in family, cultural, and social aspects of life. It emphasizes the right to survival, development, and protection against abuse, neglect, and exploitation. U.S. Non-ratification of this document results in children having no standing in court. Several U.S. states have no minimum age for marriage. Children with no standing in court cannot divorce until reaching 18 years of age. Babies, children and teens can be denied safe lifesaving medical help because of parental religious beliefs. The Convention also addresses issues concerning education, health care, juvenile justice, and the rights of children with disabilities.^[2]