United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a written legal agreement between countries and the United Nations setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their gender, religion, culture, ethnicity or abilities.

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What is a Convention?

A Convention is a written legal agreement between countries and the United Nations. They describe the human rights that people have and what the countries have to do to make sure that people’s rights are supported.

After a country signs a Convention, they have a legal obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the rights written in the Convention.

What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child consists of 54 articles (rights) that set out children’s rights and how countries and governments should work together to make them available to all children.

You can learn more about the Convention on the Rights of the Child by watching this video:

 

Why does the Convention on the Rights of the Child matter?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child matters because it is for every child, no matter their gender, religion, culture, ethnicity, or abilities. 196 countries have signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child including Australia.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is based on what a child needs to grow, learn and live a safe and healthy life with dignity and respect.

Who is responsible for protecting child rights?

Everyone is responsible for protecting child’s rights. Parents, caregivers, teachers, children and governments need to work together to make sure that every child has the chance to grow, learn and live a safe and healthy life with dignity and respect.

What are the four core principals of the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The four core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child are:

  • non-discrimination (Article 2)
  • best interests of the child (Article 3)
  • the right to life, survival and development (Article 6)
  • and respect for the views of the child (Article 12)

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