European Affairs: Children’s rights in Iceland

Sterling obtained two baccalaureate diplomas in history and philosophy from the University of Northern Texas. Currently, he studies human rights applied to the University Für Angewandte Kunst Wien.

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International 153 million children are orphans. Only 1% of these children will be adopted. The unfortunate reality that millions of children will be without care illuminates the great need for an effective youth protection system. Especially when these children are more sensitive to the consumption of alcohol and drugs compared to non -oriented young people. In Eastern Europe, 60% of orphaned girls will be victims of trafficking, while 70% of boys will become criminals. Others may suffer from psychological conditions leading to suicide. Child vulnerability is a necessary element to examine the methods taken by governments to combat the rights of children.

In general, children are based in a position where they cannot have a tangible effect on the government. Whatever the integration of the votes of young people, there remains a distinct incapacity for children in the marginalized position (orphan, without parental care, or disabled) to participate in a significant manner which raises their needs. However, children’s rights have been recognized internationally as a full component of society. With 196 countries that have signed United Nations Convention on Children’s Rights (CRC), many nations have undertaken omnipresent to ensure the safety of children. However, millions of children remain without parental care, institutionalized or neat by the social protection systems of children and young people. Worldwide, Governments have implemented directives for these systems, with Luxembourg, Thailand and Iceland standing very well as potential.

A well-balanced young well-being system

The importance of human rights and its development in the legislation of a nation presents the quality of its system for child care. Health, education, protection and dedication to the protection of children’s rights are all factors taken into account when analyzing the performance of countries. Offer safety to children insofar as childcare, access to clean water and sanitation, continuing education and devoting the interests of children are a few stages necessary to improve the quality of life of children. The survey on the actions mentioned by the nation allows the possibility of putting an end to the cycle to which children with foster family or orphans are sensitive.

Overview of Icelandic care

The social protection system of Iceland’s child and young people implies a collaborative approach that marries national services with community care in local municipalities. The mixture of the two systems strengthens the capacity to provide the most effective care. The Icelandic government is strengthening local and national child protection services by extending advice to elected committees, the continuous development of children’s protection and the production of checks on institutions and houses. The establishments that exist to provide care for children are small (6 children to a cleaning) to ensure that the degree of support required is available. In addition, education and recreational activities are highlighted in long -term facilities. The improvement of care was initiated by the creation of three levels of services: primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary level specializes in the assistance of all families to ensure the success of children, including health care, education, social services and extracurricular activities. Secondary services help professional ways to create a plan for the development of the child. It is a systematic level of support which is external to basic care which contributes to the needs of a child. The tertiary services are those which are implemented when the recidivism of endangerment is stopped.

Icelandic objective and work

The major change in children’s positionality comes from Prosperity law which was put into force in 2022. The objectives of the law were to Provide access to the necessary services and a guarantee that Iceland has undertaken its obligations under CRC. In addition, the law includes provisions for other activities, such as the need for “Monitor … and assess“The implementation of the law”respond effectively … to needs“, And carry out consultations to establish the appropriate procedures are in progress.

Children returning to their original family are the main objective of the Icelandic family investment system. Whether or not children are placed in long -term care, the institution’s objectives remain the same. This intention favors the needs of the child and does not leave them behind. An illustration of this concept takes the form of Barnahus, which is a multidisciplinary system that engages with many agencies to minimize the impact on children who can be in a precarious environment– – Most often due to violence. During children’s interviews, they include all aspects of the process, such as the application of the law, the child protection services, the child representative and the mental health services. This reduces the amount of stress to children in violent situations by making them do a complete interview without the need to repeat the procedure.

In addition, the collaborative work which includes the participation of children in the Foundation of Laws concerning family investment has improved the measures taken by the State. In 2019, young people were invited to participate in the production of government policy. In collaboration with international organizations, the proposals that were developed were then adopted and implemented.

Iceland’s child protection services contain many tactics in the fight against additional housing for children. A temporary solution is “residential investment facilities».have not received permanent housing“Individualized care is individual care until placement is placement. Obligations.with major emotional and behavioral problems“And hard”a maximum of two years».

Priorifying the well-being of children and young people, there is an indication of the potential empowerment of the future. The climbing of children’s status and the seizure of children’s rights in national law and targeted international policies could produce a new generation of security for children.

3 relevant questions:

1. How are children’s rights protected and implemented by the government of other nations and is it effective?
2. What are the possible means to include votes for young people in civil society as well as the amplification of the advocacy of children and the rights of young people in public spaces?
3. In what ways can the Icelandic system and others continue to improve its system with new tactics?

3 relevant readings:

1. Kidsrights. “The children’s rights index report 2024” Kidsrights. 2024.
2. Council of Europe. “Reykjavik conference: invest in children – the key to prosperity” European Council. 2023
3. United Nations High Commissioner Human Rights Office. “Introduction to the Committee” United Nations High Commissioner Human Rights Office. 2024.

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