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BMC International Health and Human Rights
Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Debate

Why the Convention on the Rights of the Child must become a guiding framework for the realization of the rights of children affected by tuberculosis

Authors: Robindra Basu Roy, Nicola Brandt, Nicolette Moodie, Mitra Motlagh, Kumanan Rasanathan, James A. Seddon, Anne K. Detjen, Beate Kampmann

Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Until recently, paediatric tuberculosis (TB) has been relatively neglected by the broader TB and the maternal and child health communities. Human rights-based approaches to children affected by TB could be powerful; however, awareness and application of such strategies is not widespread.

Discussion

We summarize the current challenges faced by children affected by TB, including: consideration of their family context; the limitations of preventive, diagnostic and treatment options; paucity of paediatric-specific research; failure in implementation of interventions; and stigma. We examine the articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and relate them to childhood TB. Specifically, we focus on the five core principles of the CRC: children’s inherent right to life and States’ duties towards their survival and development; children’s right to enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health; non-discrimination; best interests of the child; and respect for the views of the child. We highlight where children’s rights are violated and how a human rights-based approach should be used as a tool to help children affected by TB, particularly in light of the Sustainable Development Goals and their focus on universality and leaving no one behind.

Summary

The article aims to bridge the gap between those providing paediatric TB clinical care and conducting research, and those working in the fields of human rights policy and advocacy to promote a human rights-based approach for children affected by TB based upon the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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Metadata
Title
Why the Convention on the Rights of the Child must become a guiding framework for the realization of the rights of children affected by tuberculosis
Authors
Robindra Basu Roy
Nicola Brandt
Nicolette Moodie
Mitra Motlagh
Kumanan Rasanathan
James A. Seddon
Anne K. Detjen
Beate Kampmann
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC International Health and Human Rights / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-698X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12914-016-0105-z

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