Full Citizens or Not-yet?

The article examines children’s citizenship in light of the international and local legal documents. It comments on both how the international documents, i.e. the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) as well as the specific local legal documents in Ethiopia view children’s citizenship. The analysis is based on the most common elements of the definition of children’s citizenship (Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation). In doing so, journal articles, legal documents, and books are used. Although UNCRC is believed to be revolutionary in bringing children’s right into attention, it failed to recognize children as ‘full citizens’ it rather considers them passive in terms of responsibilities. ACRWC is far better in this regard, as it tries to identify children as bearers of rights and responsibilities. Despite the fact that Ethiopia is signatory to these conventions, it failed to incorporate the provisions into the specific domestic legal documents a comprehensive manner. The normative preconditions for citizenship are still based on adult dominated principles. Although children are active participants in different aspects, they are not yet recognized and enjoying the rights, they deserve. Recognition of children's citizenship starts with the recognition of the biological, social, and cultural difference that children and adults have. Children should not be measured based on the adult sets of principles for citizenship.