Social Justice and Children

Last week, I had the opportunity to observe many of the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching at work. I had the privilege of serving on an expert working group to aid in drafting a model child protection law. This project arises out of the Child Protection Project, which is an exciting partnership between The Protection Project of The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. One of the Project's goals is to "draft, publish, and globally disseminate model child protection legislation." While not intended to be connected to the Themes, I could not avoid thinking of them as the group worked. While present I was impressed with the focus on dignity of children, the desire to protect the most vulnerable, and a serious commitment to a responsibility to participate in society for its improvement.

The working group was the last of six that have convened throughout the world. All these experts have brought to the table insight from their experience regarding the needs of children to live in safe and healthy environment – and the reality that so many of the world's children do not. While there was a healthy exchange of perspectives, not always in agreement, it was hopeful to see so many people driven by a desire to protect the inherent dignity of children and their right to live and grow in a protective environment.