A/70/213 The best interests and views of the children 43. Article 3 of the Convention stipulates that in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. This provision has wide-ranging implications for policy, including the allocation of resources, as well as decisions concerning individual children. 44. According to article 12, the child has a right to express his or her views freely in all matters affecting him or her and to have them taken into accou nt. Research shows that a child is able to form views from the youngest age, even when he or she may be unable to express them verbally. Very soon after birth newborn babies can recognize their parents, engage actively in various forms of non -verbal communication and develop strong mutual attachments with their parents or primary caregivers. 24 Child-appropriate communication must be ensured to respect the child’s right to information and the right to be heard at all times. 45. States and all relevant stakeholders should adopt an understanding that young children are active participants in interactions with members of their family and community as well as users of health and other services. In this regard, they are entitled to the same respect and dignity as all other members of the family, community and society. IV. Early childhood development in the context of the right to health framework 46. In this section, attention is drawn to specific norms of, and obligations deriving from, the right to health relevant to early childhood development. The vast majority of these standards are also relevant to measures addressing child survival. This approach underscores the benefits of addressing the right to survival and development in an integrated manner. A. Health care and other health-related services essential for early childhood development Health systems 47. Health systems, including health-care services and preventive services, should offer, in cooperation with social, child protection, educational and other relevant services, a continuum of care for children and families. Health systems are central to the care of pregnant women, childbirth, postnatal care of the mother and child and the care of young children. Health systems are important not only in relation to specific biomedical interventions, but because they often constitute the only infrastructure that reaches young children, particularly those under 3 years of age, and can therefore initiate and foster health promotion and social service support to promote early child development and prevent risks. 25 For example, health visits or growth monitoring sessions can provide an opportunity to incorporate other child __________________ 24 25 15-12535 General comment No. 7 (2005), para. 16. P. Engle and others, “Strategies to avoid the loss of developmental potential”, pp. 229 -242. 11/25