International Children's Day in Cuba and the New Code for Childhood, Adolescence and Youth

By: Maritza Gutiérrez

International Children's Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1956, is dedicated to fraternity and understanding among children worldwide. On this day, each country is encouraged to promote activities that directly involve the youngest members of society.

In Cuba, this celebration coincides with a consultation process involving the population to improve the draft Law on Childhood, Adolescence, and Youth.

The draft law is the result of collaborative work between state administration bodies, organisations, institutions and experts specialising in child and youth care.

The legislation aligns with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Cuba has been a signatory since 26 January 1990. The law is mandatory and directly applicable in decision-making regarding the rights of children and adolescents, as stipulated in Article 8 of the Cuban Constitution, ratified on August 21, 1991.

Article 5 of the draft law sets out the principles governing the rights of children, adolescents and young people, establishing a fundamental framework to ensure their protection, care and active participation.

 Grounded in dignity, humanism, and justice, this article emphasizes the supreme values that should guide policies and actions toward young people. These values ensure that each child receives equal treatment and protection without discrimination.

The principle of equality and non-discrimination is paramount, affirming that all children and young people have the right to enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities, regardless of their personal or family characteristics. This places a social and state responsibility to eliminate barriers that hinder their full development. Including multiple discrimination factors, such as skin color and sexual orientation, underscores the need for a holistic approach to defending their rights.

Additionally, the principle of equity and social justice grants children and adolescents the right to equal opportunities and recognizes the need for a differentiated approach for those in vulnerable situations. This ensures that individual needs are met, promoting true equity in access to rights and resources.

Comprehensive protection of rights is another key pillar. Recognizing minors as full subjects of rights means that their well-being must be considered in all aspects of life. This requires active collaboration among various institutions and social agents to ensure that each child and adolescent receives the care they deserve in all contexts.

Youth social participation is equally important. When young people are allowed to identify their own needs and participate in decision-making processes, they develop a sense of belonging and social responsibility. This empowers youth and enriches the democratic process by incorporating their voices into policy and program development.

Furthermore, the principle of intersectorality emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different social actors. Coordinating efforts between state institutions and civil organizations is essential to creating an environment that supports the comprehensive development of children and youth.

Together, these principles form a solid foundation for building a fairer and more inclusive society where respect for human dignity is the norm.