Child’s Rights and Parents Responsibilities Should Complement or Compete

Authors

  • Priya Pritika Sharma POST GRADUATE STUDENT in Governance and Public Policy. University-Wide Programme and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Programme, University of Fiji. Author

Keywords:

welfare, responsibilities, fundamental, rights, traditionally, values, Relationships, societies, parental, ethical, legal, protection, trust

Abstract

The issue of children's rights versus parental responsibilities has long been a subject of significant debate across legal, ethical, and cultural domains. As the concept of children's rights becomes more deeply entrenched in international law, particularly through instruments like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), questions arise regarding the balance of power between parents and the state in raising and protecting children. This paper explores the evolving dynamic between children's rights and parental duties, emphasizing the legal, social, and ethical implications. It examines the responsibilities of parents to ensure their children's welfare, protection, and development, while also considering the autonomy and rights that children should have as individuals. The discussion highlights key areas such as parental authority, child protection laws, education, and the role of the state in intervening when parental responsibilities are not met. Through examining these various aspects, the paper aims to explore the complex relationship between parental rights, children’s rights, and the role of the state in ensuring the welfare of children.

References

1. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). (1989). United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx.

2. Archard, D. (2015). Children: Rights and Childhood. Routledge.

o A comprehensive look at the legal and ethical dimensions of children's rights, including the roles of parents and the state in the upbringing of children.

3. Cohen, D. (2004). The Rights of Children and Parents: A Comparative Perspective. Oxford University Press.

o A detailed exploration of the intersection between children’s rights and parental responsibilities across different legal systems.

4. Tobin, J. (2013). Children's Rights and the Law: A Critical Introduction. Routledge.

o A critical overview of the legal framework surrounding children's rights, with particular focus on the role of parents and the state in protecting these rights.

5. Laird, J. (2008). Parental Rights and Children’s Autonomy: Navigating the Tensions. Journal of Law and Family Studies, 10(2), 205-223.

o An analysis of the tension between parental authority and children's autonomy, particularly in legal contexts.

6. Miller, M. (2010). The Ethics of Parenting: Rights, Responsibilities, and Relationships. Cambridge University Press.

o This book examines the ethical implications of parenting, focusing on the balance between children’s rights and parental duties.

7. Hodgkin, R., & Newell, P. (2007). Implementation Handbook for the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF.

o A practical guide to understanding and implementing the provisions of the CRC, including the roles of parents and children in the context of international law.

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Published

2025-11-28