The Right to Play
Children play amidst the rubble in Gaza.
Photo credit Middle East Children’s Alliance
Did you know that play is so integral to the well-being of children that the UN officially recognizes it as a human right? The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that encompasses several agreed upon benefits and protections for children. The Convention has been ratified by nearly every country in the world since it’s official approval by the UN in 1989. An expert from the Convention reads:
“That every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
That member governments shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.”
At Everspring, we wholeheartedly believe that ALL children deserve the right to safe play opportunities just as they deserve food, water, shelter, medical care, and loving families. While we are doing our small part to bring Play into the lives of children and families in our local community, we are absolutely heartbroken over the state of children’s safety and well-being all over the world, especially in current conflicts. Our hearts are especially with the children of Palestine, and all other innocents who should be able to play without the threat of war.
Video courtesy of International Play Association
These heavy issues weighing on my heart and clouding my thoughts have pressed pause on the planned play-based content I look forward to bringing you. Thanks for sticking with me. If you’re looking for a way to help, I suggest checking out the If Not Now Movement.
With love,
Jessica
