Violation of Children's Rights: The rights of thousands of girls sold for marriage are violated in indigenous communities in Mexico.

By Fior Encarnacion

     Children are the joy of the home, that is how many of us identify them since children are capable of making you smile in your most difficult moments. We can say that a child’s only responsibility is to be happy doing what they like, whether playing, practicing a sport, dancing, or spending time with their friends. Unfortunately, not all the children in the world have the privilege to have a happy childhood, like in the case of girls whose rights are violated by being sold for marriage. The rights of girls sold for marriage are violated in indigenous communities in Mexico.

     Foremost, girls sold into marriage in indigenous communities are deprived of the right to a happy childhood. Those little girls do not have the time to be kids as their infancy is taken from them. We all know the great responsibility that comes with a marriage, a responsibility that should never be left in the hands of little girls. Children's happiness most be the number one priority of parents, and for sure marriage is not something those girls enjoy. Notably, those poor girls do not have time to play because of the heavy work involved in a marriage. A child is supposed to be happy all the time, and some studies show that having free time to play is something that contributes to that happiness. It is a pity that for those girls, having a moment to play or have fun is not an option since the society has ensured that marriage occupies the first place in their lives. Another thing that guarantees a good childhood is having friends and socializing. Sharing with friends can prevent isolation and loneliness. Even so, the girls who are in these places do not have time for them, as they have to take care of a husband. While other girls have the opportunity to go out, have fun, and do things they love that are typical of a child, those girls must assume the responsibility of having a home, a home where they have to forget about being little girls to become women, overnight.

     Moreover, Mexican girls of indigenous origin are bereft of the right to education. Every child in the world should have access to free, quality education. Most of those children do not even know what a school is, much less what it is for because they have never seen or heard of one, as studies are not an option there. Also, education is very important for children, since it allows them to acquire knowledge and thus achieve a full social life. Therefore, if they do not go to school, it is impossible for them to receive an education that guarantees a better future and that allows them to be free and independent young women. Along with, the personal development of people is something that depends a lot on the education they receive, and a quality education results in good development. In those indigenous communities, the children do not even have books or other things that facilitate their learning. As everyone knows, books have an essential role in people’s lives because this not only facilitates good learning for children but also allows them to discover a new world full of imagination. It is very sad to know that this girl does not have materials or instruments as simple and basic as a book for their study.

     Furthermore, the right to be heard is one of the many rights violated when these girls are forced into marriage. Girls from these communities are married at a very young age to people they don't even know, and in most cases without their consent. Parents are supposed to care for and listen to their children and allow them to be part of the decision-making process, especially when the decision will mean a change in the child's life. In the case of those indigenous girls, it is different, since they do not have the right to reject the decisions of their parents. There, the girls are simply sold to the highest bidder to later marry and become slaves of the household. Unfortunately, these girls miss out on a good childhood without their consent, as they are not given the option to choose what they want. Those poor girls have never had the privilege of saying what they would like to do with their lives. They do not have the right to choose what will happen to them and their future, much less the right to choose what they want in their lives. In addition,  by law, everyone, including children, has the right to choose the things they prefer. However, those girls do not have the right to say that they do not want to be treated as objects.

In conclusion, the rights of thousands of girls in indigenous communities in Mexico are violated and nobody does anything. It is the responsibility of the parents, tutor, or responsible adult to give children a decent education, ensure their happiness, and above all, to ensure their health, both mental and physical. Children are defenseless beings who deserve to be cared for, loved, and treated as human beings. And It goes without saying that children play a very important role in society as a society without children is a society without a future.