Bloggers Unite Day:
I did not have these rights when I was under 18. Adults did not do what was best for me. My government did not make my right to my identity a reality. My name and my nationality were hidden from me for life. My opinion was neither listened to nor taken seriously.
I did not have a right to an identity. Under the laws of the state where I was born, I still do not have the right to my identity.
Possession of my own birth certificate is considered a crime.
Possession of the death certificates of my grandparents is considered a crime.
Knowledge of my own last name and nationality is forbidden by law.
This July, I'll be in New Orleans to work towards correcting these for all adoptees whose identities are locked away.
Adoptee Rights Demonstration
July 22, 2008
New Orleans, LA
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Article 1 Everyone under 18 has these rights
Article 2 You have the right to protection against discrimination
Article 3 Adults should do what’s best for you
Article 4 You have the right to have your rights made a reality by government
Article 5 You have the right to be given guidance by your parents and family
Article 6 You have the right to life
Article 7 You have the right to have a name and a nationality
Article 8 You have the right to have an identity
Article 9 You have the right to live with your parents unless it is bad for you
Article 10 If you and your parents are living in different countries, you have the right to get back together and live in the same place
Article 11 You should not be kidnapped
Article 12 You have the right to an opinion and for it to be listened to and taken seriously
Article 13 You have the right to find out things and say what you think, through making art, speaking and writing unless it breaks the rights of others
Article 14 You have the right to think what you like and be whatever religion you want to be with your parents guidance
Article 15 You have the right to be with friends and join or set up clubs, unless this breaks the rights of others
Article 16 You have the right to a private life, ie you can keep a diary that other people are not allowed to see
Article 17 You have the right to collect information from the media
Article 18 You have the right to be brought up by your parents if possible
Article 19 You have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated
Article 20 You have the right to special protection and help if you can’t live with your parents
Article 21 You have the right to have the best care for you if you are adopted or living in foster care
Article 22 You have the right to special protection and help if you are a refugee
Article 23 If you are disabled, either mentally or physically, you have the right to special care and education
Article 24 You have the right to the best health possible and to medical care and information
Article 25 You have the right to have your living arrangements checked regularly if you are living away from home
Article 26 You have the right to help from the government if you are poor or in need
Article 27 You have the right to have a good enough standard of living
Article 28 You have the right to education
Article 29 You have the right to education which develops your personality, respect for other’s rights and the environment
Article 30 If you come from a minority group you have the right to enjoy your own culture, practice your own religion and use your own language
Article 31 You have the right to play and relax by doing things like sport, music and drama
Article 32 You have the right to protection from work which is bad for your health or education
Article 33 You have the right to be protected from dangerous drugs
Article 34 You have the right to be protected from sexual abuse
Article 35 No one is allowed to kidnap you or sell you
Article 36 You have the right to protection from any other kind of exploitation
Article 37 You have the right not to be punished in a cruel or hurtful way
Article 38 You have the right to protection in times of war. If under 15 you should never have to be in the army or a battle
Article 39 You have the right to help if you have been hurt, neglected or badly treated
Article 40 You have the right to help in defending yourself if you are accused of breaking the law
Article 41 You have the right to any rights in laws in your country or internationally that give you better rights than these
Article 42 All adults and children should know about this convention
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