Most of us grew up reading or hearing about fairy tales and happily ever after. Many of us may have dreamed of being a princess or prince at some point. But what no one talks about is the terrible treatment most the heroines endure to get to their so called happily ever after. Rapunzel is one of those stories. A girl with long hair stuck in a tower, gets saved and lives happily ever after, sound familiar?
Originally published by the Brothers Grimm, it is a widely known story and has been retold by Disney into the popular movie and book, Tangled. Although it is a happy ending, it is not a happy beginning.
Despite this, Rapunzel’s story can teach us about our rights in Wales. Here are 6 rights we have under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that Rapunzel’s story shows us.
1. Every child has the right to a high standard of living
Under article 27 of the UNCRC, a high standard of living is one that is good enough to meet your physical and mental needs. In Rapunzel’s case, she was living in a very tall remote tower unable to leave. This did not meet her physical or mental needs as she was all alone, unable to socialize and could not leave or do any physical activity.
In a case where your family is unable to afford to meet your needs, the Government should help in order to provide you with high standards of living. The Welsh Government has developed many laws on housing to enforce this. Examples can be seen in the Housing Wales Act 2014. Section 60 of this Act imposes a duty to provide information, assistance, and advice in accessing help in relation to preventing homelessness. There are many legal sanctions in place to help provide you with a high standard of living.
2. Every child has the right to be protected from harm and violence
Article 19 of the UNCRC says that children should be properly cared for and protected from violence, abuse, and neglect by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.
For Rapunzel, Gothel was her main caregiver. Although she was protected in the tower from the outside world, she was very neglected. Neglect is a form of abuse where there is a lack of proper care and attention which children need. Rapunzel was always left alone until Gothel came back to see her. She was not given proper attention and care that she has a right to.
In a circumstance like this the Government has regulations that can help and protect you. These include s130 and s21 of the Social Services and Well-being Act 2014, which requires teachers and health care professionals to report any suspected child abuse to local authorities and those local authorities have a duty to assess the situation of the child in order to ensure their safety. With these Government regulations, if you are in an abusive situation at home, you are protected and can receive help.
3. Every child has the right to live with their parents 
Article 9 of the UNCRC states that unless it is for their own well-being, children should not be separated from their parents. Rapunzel was taken from her parents as a baby. In her situation she had the right to stay with her parents, but let’s use a hypothetical scenario. If Gothel was Rapunzel’s real mother she would have a right to live with her, but since she is being neglected and her needs are not met, this right can be taken away so she can receive proper care for her needs.
If you are suffering from neglect or abuse of any kind, this is not proper care for your needs. It is important to speak to trusted adults, such as teachers, in order to protect and provide you with proper care. If your parents have separated, you also have the right to stay in contact with both parents, unless this could hurt you in any way.
4. Every child as the right to receive an education
Education is extremely important. Article 28 of the UNCRC states that every child has a right to an education, whether this is at school, at home or a specialist facility. Since Rapunzel was in the tower unable to leave, she was not able to go to school or receive an education. Under section 7 of the Education Act 1996, your parent or caregiver is responsible for ensuring you receive efficient full-time education. If your parents or caregivers are not ensuring that you are receiving a proper education, they may receive a fine.
Education for 3 to 16-year-olds in Wales is free which makes education accessible for all children, there is no reason you should not be able to go to receive an education.
5. Every child has the right to have a say in matters affecting them
Rapunzel had no say in whether she could live with her parents or Gothel, it was forced on her. She was also lied to about many things. Article 12 of the UNCRC states that children have the right to have a say in decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions considered.
In Rapunzel’s case, she had the right to have her opinions heard in whether she wanted to live with her parents or Gothel. She also had the right to have a say in whether she could go outside and leave the tower. Sometimes adults make decisions about issues that they are more knowledgeable about, but you always have a right to have some input in decisions that affect you directly.
6. Every child has the right to appropriate help in recovery if they have been subjected to any harm
At the end of the book when Rapunzel is saved and moves back to the castle, there are many things she may need help in her recovery from the abuse and neglect she endured in the tower. Article 39 of the UNCRC states that any child that has been abused or neglected should receive special help and rehabilitation to restore their self-respect. Sometimes we go through traumatic events in our lives, and it is important that we get the help and support we need.
This article has touched on some upsetting and difficult topics. It is important that you know the Government has regulations and legislation that protect you and give you many rights that are important to know.
Below are some links to support services and more information about your rights in Wales:
About the Author:
Hello! My name is Maddison Weir, I am an international student from Canada, currently a second-year law student at Swansea University. I am very passionate about the law and rights we have as citizens. I love to volunteer with the community and hope to do more projects like this in the future!
Thanks goes to Angela Killa of JCP Solicitors for checking the content of this blog.