In addition to promoting the rights of children and young people, the Children’s Ombudsman of Aruba has an independent statutory mandate under the Ombudsman Ordinance.

The Children’s Ombudsman investigates the conduct of institutions towards children and young people, providing information about children’s rights, overseeing how complaints submitted by children, young people, or their legal representatives are handled by the institutions, and making recommendations aimed at protecting the rights of children and young people.

Furthermore, the Ombudsman Ordinance provides that everyone may submit a request for an investigation into the conduct of an institution. This means that children and young people themselves, in addition to their legal representatives, may turn to the Children’s Ombudsman or the Ombudsman if they believe that an institution has not treated them properly. Requests to the Children’s Ombudsman may also be made orally, after which the Bureau Ombudsman will, if necessary, record the request in writing.

Children’s rights are therefore not merely rights on paper. Children also have access to an independent institution they can turn to when they believe that their rights or interests have not been adequately respected. The Children’s Ombudsman listens to their concerns, investigates complaints, and works to ensure that the voices of children are heard.

Many people may think that children’s rights are only important when something serious goes wrong. This is not the case. This includes the right to grow up in a safe environment, to attend school, to enjoy good health, to play, to express their views, to be protected from violence, and above all, to be treated with dignity and respect.

These rights are established in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Almost every country in the world has made a commitment to respect and protect these rights. Aruba is also bound by this convention.

Children’s rights are neither a privilege nor a reward for good behavior. They are fundamental rights that belong to every child from birth, regardless of their origin, religion, language, disability, income, or immigration status.

The CRC consists of 54 articles. Some articles describe specific rights, such as education and healthcare. Other articles explain the responsibilities of the government, parents, and society to ensure that children can develop in a safe and healthy environment.

The Children’s Ombudsman of Aruba will regularly dedicate attention to different articles of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child in the coming period. Each article will be explained in clear language, together with its practical significance for children living in Aruba.

Because children’s rights are not only a matter for lawyers or policymakers. They are relevant to everyone. When children know their rights and adults respect these rights, we build a society together in which every child has the opportunity to develop their full potential.