It has become clear that children in poverty generally come from families who earn a low income. Therefore, because the family is on a low income they cannot afford healthy living which can have an impact on the child’s well being. This is because a majority of the families that are on a minimal income are living in state housing. Unfortunately, state housing in New Zealand is known to be dirty, mouldy, damp and cold. Consequently, children get unwell and it can cause some serious health issues. Here is a mind map of what came to my mind when I thought about the implications for children from inadequate housing.
A question to ask ourselves is, what do we want for our country in the future years? In the Green Paper John Key states that the “government want what is best for the up and coming generation and what is best for their future”. Although the green paper was written about vulnerable children, I believe that this statement can relate to children that are in poverty also. The World Health Organisation [WHO] gives the government recommendations on what they can do to minimalize poverty. They state that “International guidance on "healthy housing" should be developed to help prevent a wide range of diseases and unintentional injuries that can be effectively addressed through better housing” (World Health Organisation, 2010). In favour of what WHO suggests the national government states in their housing policy that “National will ensure that, by the end of 2013, every state house built before 1978 that can be practically insulated will be insulated” (Housing, 2011). Does this mean that we will see all children living in state housing not getting sick?
Furthermore, when looking at poverty, inadequate housing and the impact this has on children I was drawn to the Ministry of Justice website. This is where I found interesting information about what the committee on the rights of the child, proposed to the state party. They are concluding observations in which they state the areas of concern and recommendations for the state party to discuss. Also, the concerns and recommendations that the committee propose are from previous and current observations. When reading it I came across this recommendation “[T]the Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to provide appropriate support to allow disadvantaged families and their children to move out of poverty in a sustained way while, at the same time, continuing to provide assistance to those who remain under the poverty line” (Committee on the rights of the child, 2011). When reading this report it made me think about children’s rights. Most if not all young children are wanting the best for themselves however, it is them who cannot speak out. It is interesting to see in the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 number 14 states “The Commissioner must develop means of consulting with children from time to time for the purpose of ensuring the views of children are taken into account in the exercise or performance of the Commissioner's functions”. This I believe is a good way of communicating with children however, what about young children who cannot speak out are they taking those young children into consideration?
Lastly, The Public Health Advisory Committee (2010) state
“The early years are important because they shape a person’s ability to engage in work, Family and community life. Substantial international evidence shows that adult employment, welfare dependence, violence and ill health are largely the results of negative factors in the early years” (p.vii).
This is infuriating that children who do not have a choice to be in poverty are more likely to have an unsuccessful life. Should all children have the chance to be treated equally no matter what social class they belong too? After all this is not the child’s fault they are in poverty, so why should they suffer? Maybe the government might need to put state housing at the top of their to do list.
References
Children’s Commissioners Act 2003 (2003) Retrieved from http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2003/0121/latest/DLM230474.html
Committee on the rights of the child (2011). Consideration of reports submitted by states parties under article 44 of the convention. Retrieved from http://www.justice.govt.nz/policy/constitutional-law-and-human-rights/human-rights/international-human-rights-instruments/international-human-rights-instruments-1/procedures-relating-to-the-core-human-rights-instruments-of-the-united-nations/documents-and-other-information-relating-to-the-core-human-rights-instruments-ratified-by-new-zealand/documents-relating-to-the-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child-and-the-optional-protocols/third-and-fourth-report/NZ%20-%20CRC%20Concl%20Obs%203rd%20and%204th%20reports%20-%2005-02-2011.pdf/view?searchterm=child poverty and the affects human rights.
Every child thrives, belongs, achieves/ Ka whai oranga, ka whai w-ahi, ka whai taumata ia tamaiti (2011). Retrieved from http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/.
Housing (2011). Retrieved from http://www.national.org.nz/PDF_General/Housing_policy.pdf.
Public Health Advisory Committee (2010). Healthy places, healthy lives; urban environments and wellbeing. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry of Health.
World Health Organisation (2010). Healthy housing - Experts call for international guidelines. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/hia/housing/en/index.html.
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