Belgium ranks 11th internationally for children's rights
According to the international children's rights foundation, Belgium holds the 11th place in the children's rights rankings. Excellent progress given that the country held the 17th place in 2016. This year Portugal is the global frontrunner, followed by Norway and Switzerland.
A child, as small and weak as they may be, has a right to respect. This is why the International Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989, which came into force in Belgium in 1992, states that all children are entitled to a decent life, a right to health care and education and that they are protected from any kind of violence and exploitation.
Every year KidsRights, the international children's rights foundation, ranks every country in the world according to how well they comply with these standards. The ranking reveals that industrialised countries, which should be setting the example, do not make enough of a contribution. Some countries such as Thailand and Tunisia have made major progress, both gaining spots in the top 10 this year. Whilst the contribution of poorer countries is still minimal, it should be noted that Peru and South Africa have made significant progress.