The Convention of the Rights of the Child is only applicable to Vatican City State. This was the Holy See's response to the Committee on the Rights of the Child of the United Nations in Geneva.
Accordingly, the Convention can only apply to a territory that measures a half kilometer squared and its citizens that are comprised mostly of diplomatic personnel.
It notes that attempting to implement the Convention 'in the territory of other States could constitute a violation of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States.â?
It also states that it is 'unacceptableâ? that they ask the Church to change its position regarding abortion because it is 'incompatibleâ? with the objectives of the Convention. On the contrary, it asks to protect the rights of children.
The Vatican expressed its gratitude to the Committee who praies the openness, constructive dialogue and willingness of the Holy See delegation to change its attitudes and practices.
The Committee, however, criticized the Holy See for promoting marriage between a man and a women instead of 'diverse forms of familiesâ?. Nonetheless, the Vatican responded saying that 'diverse forms of familiesâ? are not defined in principle by the Convention. They also underlined that the International Bill of Human Rights solely promotes the family as the 'natural and fundamental group unit of societyâ? and 'should be afforded the necessary protection and assistanceâ? by society and the State.
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