Ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Children occupy a unique status in our society.  As minors, they are vulnerable and in need of safeguards to ensure their protection.  In 1979, in recognition of children's special position, the United Nations began efforts to develop an inclusive, legally-binding human rights treaty for all the world's children.  Ten years later, in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and was later instituted as international law in 1990. 
Built on varied legal systems and cultural traditions, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and obligations.  It outlines the basic human rights that should be accorded to all children, regardless of national boundaries.
Even though the U.S. signed the Convention in 1995, indicating its intent to consider ratification, the CRC has yet to be presented to the U.S. Senate.  With the November 2009 announcement by Somalia to ratify the convention, the USA remains the only nation a party to the UN who has not ratified this celebrated agreement.

President Obama, we the undersigned strongly urge you to ratify the CRC now.

Children occupy a unique status in our society.  As minors, they are vulnerable and in need of safeguards to ensure their protection.  In 1979, in recognition of children's special position, the United Nations began efforts to develop an inclusive, legally-binding human rights treaty for all the world's children.  Ten years later, in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and was later instituted as international law in 1990. 
Built on varied legal systems and cultural traditions, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and obligations.  It outlines the basic human rights that should be accorded to all children, regardless of national boundaries.
Even though the U.S. signed the Convention in 1995, indicating its intent to consider ratification, the CRC has yet to be presented to the U.S. Senate.  With the November 2009 announcement by Somalia to ratify the convention, the USA remains the only nation a party to the UN who has not ratified this celebrated agreement.

President Obama, we the undersigned strongly urge you to ratify the CRC now.

Children occupy a unique status in our society.  As minors, they are vulnerable and in need of safeguards to ensure their protection.  In 1979, in recognition of children's special position, the United Nations began efforts to develop an inclusive, legally-binding human rights treaty for all the world's children.  Ten years later, in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and was later instituted as international law in 1990. 
Built on varied legal systems and cultural traditions, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and obligations.  It outlines the basic human rights that should be accorded to all children, regardless of national boundaries.
Even though the U.S. signed the Convention in 1995, indicating its intent to consider ratification, the CRC has yet to be presented to the U.S. Senate.  With the November 2009 announcement by Somalia to ratify the convention, the USA remains the only nation a party to the UN who has not ratified this celebrated agreement.

President Obama, we the undersigned strongly urge you to ratify the CRC now.