UPSC Prelims 2010 Q100: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Children's rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
The UNCRC enumerates a broad range of rights for children, covering development, expression, and well-being.
| Right | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Right to Development | Correct | Article 6 of the UNCRC recognizes every child's inherent right to life and development |
| 2. Right to Expression | Correct | Article 13 guarantees the child's right to freedom of expression |
| 3. Right to Recreation | Correct | Article 31 recognizes the child's right to rest, leisure, and recreational activities |
UNCRC's four broad right categories:
| Category | Includes |
|---|---|
| Survival & Development | Right to life, development (Art. 6) |
| Participation | Right to expression (Art. 13) |
| Protection & well-being | Right to recreation/leisure (Art. 31) |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Rights 2 and 3 (expression, recreation) are also enumerated in the UNCRC, so '1 only' is too narrow.
- (b) Incorrect. Right 2 (expression) is also covered, so '1 and 3 only' is incomplete.
- (c) Incorrect. Right 1 (development) is also covered, so '2 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it.
- (d) CORRECT. The UNCRC explicitly recognizes all three: development (Art. 6), expression (Art. 13), and recreation (Art. 31).
Key point
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child explicitly recognizes the Right to Development (Art. 6), Right to Expression (Art. 13), AND Right to Recreation (Art. 31) — all three are genuine enumerated rights.
Remember
UNCRC: Right to Development (Art. 6), Right to Expression (Art. 13), Right to Recreation (Art. 31) — all three are real, enumerated child rights.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the UNCRC's rights are limited to survival/protection only, missing participation rights like expression.
- Not knowing the specific article numbers behind each of these three rights.
- Underestimating how comprehensive the UNCRC's rights catalogue actually is.
Exam tip
UNCRC rights span survival, development, protection, AND participation — development, expression, and recreation are all genuinely included.
Sources
- Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
- Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005