Beyond the Limits of “I Deserve”
How does the International Federation for Child Rights and Defense build a generation of guardians of the future?
“A child’s practice of duties is the highest guarantee for protecting the rights of others… We do not build consumers of rights; we build active citizens.”
The Balance Between Rights and Duties
International charters have historically focused on safeguarding children’s rights as a supreme humanitarian priority.
The International Federation for Child Rights and Defense takes pride in being an active part of this global effort.
Yet field and educational experience confirms a fundamental truth: rights cannot be sustained in a society whose members are unaware of their duties.
Building social awareness in children means moving them from emotional and rights-based consumption toward the space of active citizenship.
We do not aspire merely to a child who knows what they deserve, but to a generation that understands that practicing duties is the true guarantee of preserving the rights of others.
From this perspective, the Federation presents its educational charter, balancing the philosophies of “I deserve” and “I contribute.”
Pillars of the Federation’s Educational Charter
First: Human Awareness and the Duty of
Value Integration
The transition from the right to protection toward the duty of respecting others’ dignity is the cornerstone of a cohesive society.
In the Federation’s vision, teaching tolerance alone is not enough; active acceptance must be rooted.
Duty:
To assume moral responsibility toward peers—especially children with disabilities—by moving beyond merely refraining from bullying to initiating inclusive environments that embrace everyone.
Second: Environmental Awareness and the Duty of
Stewardship and Sustainability
A child’s right to a clean environment is inseparable from their duty to protect it.
The Federation believes the Earth is a shared human trust.
Duty:
To safeguard sensitive natural resources, including wetlands, as a responsibility toward both present and future—transforming the child into a conscious guardian of sustainability.
Third: Civic Awareness and the Duty of
Digital and Real-World Peace
In a world where words may exceed actions in impact, the right to digital safety corresponds to the duty of digital ethics and integrity.
Duty:
Not to remain a bystander in the face of injustice; to support the oppressed, report responsibly, and adopt dialogue instead of violence in both physical and digital spaces.
Fourth: Belonging Awareness and the Duty of
Initiative and Service
In the Federation’s philosophy, social responsibility is positive and initiative-based.
Duty:
To promote a culture of “small volunteering”, nurturing in children the sense that public benefit is part of their personal dignity, and instilling pride in serving the broader human community.
Conclusion: The Federation’s Charter for Tomorrow’s Generation
The International Federation for Child Rights and Defense affirms that the path to rights begins at the gateway of duties.
When our children recognize their responsibility, we achieve the essence of our mission in defending their rights—
because we have not only granted them protection, but empowered them to build a more just and peaceful world.
References
Legal and International Sources
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), United Nations General Assembly.
- African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990), Organization of African Unity.
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1971).
Scientific and Educational Sources
- Piaget, J. — The Moral Judgment of the Child (new edition, original work 1932).
- Kohlberg, L. — The Psychology of Moral Development (1984).
- Hoskins, B., & Crick, R. — Active citizenship and its impact on social inclusion and mental health (2016).
- Bronfenbrenner, U. — The Ecology of Human Development (1979).
