united nations convention on the rights of the child

A right is a universal legal guarantee that protects individuals and groups from actions or policies that might affect their legal freedoms, dignity and entitlements.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the first legally binding international measure to protect the rights of children. In 1989 leaders from all over the world decided that people under the age of 18 needed special care and protection that adults do not and wanted to establish that children have human rights too. It has 54 articles that address the definition of a child, lay out all the rights they should have and state what governments and adults should do to protect these rights.

The convention states what rights children everywhere have. By agreeing to the convention (by ratifying it) governments have committed themselves to protecting the rights of children and have agreed that if they fail to ensure these rights that they can be held accountable by the international community. The Convention has been ratified by 191 out of the 193 countries; the only two not to ratify it are Somalia and the USA.

Key Aspects of CRC.

• Everyone under the age of 18 is covered by these rights, whatever their race, religion, abilities or family background.
• Everything should be done in the best interest of the child.
• Governments, adults in contact with children and parents should respect and protect these rights, both in their own countries and in all other participating countries.
• Children have the right to life, name, nationality, religion and privacy.
• They have the right to have their opinions taken into account, to think and believe in whatever way they want as long as they aren’t hurting anyone and to get information.
• They should be cared for by their parents where ever possible, unless it is for their own good not to be. They have the right to health care, clean water, food and a healthy living environment.
• They have a right to education, culture, the use of their own language and safe play. Protection from dangerous work, drugs, sexual abuse, unsafe activities and should not be abducted or sold.
• Children who break the law should not be treated cruelly or put in prison with adults. They should also be  given legal help.
• Children under 16 should not be allowed to join the army and should be protected from conflict.