No discrimination, follow UN child rights

As the former President of the organization responsible for representing all of the youth of Sint Maarten, it is distasteful to see the Catholic school board’s response. In their seven page letter in response to the Minister of ECYS, I have not seen them ask their students what their opinion is on the matter. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child:

2. No discrimination:

All children have all these rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what language they speak, what their religion is, what they think, what they look like, if they are a boy or girl, if they have a disability, if they are rich or poor, and no matter who their parents or families are or what their parents or families believe or do. No child should be treated unfairly for any reason.

3. Best interests of the child:

When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect children. All adults should do what is best for children. Governments should make sure children are protected and looked after by their parents, or by other people when this is needed. Governments should make sure that people and places responsible for looking after children are doing a good job.

14. Freedom of thought and religion:

Children can choose their own thoughts, opinions, and religion, but this should not stop other people from enjoying their rights. Parents can guide children so that, as they grow up, they learn to properly use this right.

29. Aims of education:

Children’s education should help them fully develop their personalities, talents, and abilities. It should teach them to understand their own rights, and to respect other people’s rights, cultures, and differences. It should help them to live peacefully and protect the environment.

So SKOS, Sint Maarten Academy, and every other school that are currently violating the rights of our students, when are you going to start communicating with our students on decisions that affect them? Adults make decisions, but we the youth live it.

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