© UNICEF/INDA2011-00070/Graham Crouch
Caption: Pausha Madharia (16 years old) holding a youth newspaper that aims to give voice to the youth of rural India. Based on the Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child, children have the right to speak freely and to articulate their concerns. This bi-monthly newspaper titled Children Independence and sponsored by UNICEF encourages children to ask who, what, when and why from senior members of the community.

By Rudina Vojvoda

NEW YORK, USA, 21 November, 2011 – This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Ratified by 193 states, the Convention has gained wide support worldwide and transformed the way children are treated around the globe. Yet, children’s right to education as a fundamental human right remains a challenge especially for those living in conflict areas.

UNICEF podcast moderator Femi Oke spoke with two experts, Professor Philip G. Alston and Professor David M. Smolin, about the achievements of the last 22 years as well as the challenges that lie ahead.

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