The Honorable ________________________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator _________________________:

As a citizen of the state of ___________________ , I am writing to you regarding a matter of great importance to myself and all Americans. Although the issue has not yet come before the United States Senate, I encourage you to support the U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an internationally recognized agreement between nations which establishes a comprehensive set of goals for individual nations to achieve on behalf of their children. Recognizing the special vulnerability of children, the CRC focuses on the best interests of the child. Its provisions, which repeatedly emphasize the primacy of the role and authority of parents, are contingent on the child's age and evolving capacities. In general, the Convention calls for:

  • Freedom from violence, abuse, hazardous employment, exploitation, abduction or sale;
  • Freedom from hunger and protection from diseases;
  • Free compulsory primary education;
  • Adequate health care;
  • Equal treatment regardless of gender, race or cultural background;
  • The right to express opinions and freedom of thought in matters affecting them;
  • Safe exposure/access to leisure, play, culture and art.

Unfortunately, the United States along with Somalia--a country that lacks a government capable of ratifying an international treaty--are the only two nations that have not yet ratified this celebrated treaty. The convention on the Rights of the Child was signed by Madeleine K. Albright on February 16, 1995, but the President has not yet presented it to the Senate for advice and consent due to political resistance.

Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child is important for American children as well as children throughout the world. The Convention provides the legal underpinnings to the goals of the World Summit for Children, held in 1990. U.S. ratification would be a great boost to fulfilling these goals both domestically and abroad.

As an American and a parent (if applicable), I support the Convention and I thank you for your consideration of my request. Please write back to me and let me know that you will support the Convention on the Rights of the Child when it comes to the Senate.

Sincerely,