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UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was presented to the United Nations in 1989, and 191 out of 193 member states have since agreed to put it into practice. The UK signed up to the UNCRC in 1991.

Countries which agree to the Convention must review their laws to make sure that they match the statements, or articles, of the Convention.

The UN has set up the Committee on the Rights of the Child, based in Geneva, which checks that its members are putting the UNCRC into practice. Each country must submit a report on its progress every five years.

The UNCRC offers children:

• Protection
  - from all things that harm.
• Provision
  - of resources such as water, decent education and support.
• Participation
  - the right to take part in society.

A 'child' is defined as every human being below the age of 18.

What are the key principles of the UNCRC?

The Convention consists of 54 articles. Articles 1 to 42 are relevant to children and young people. Articles 43 to 54 are guidelines for adults and governments make sure that children get their rights.

• All rights apply to all children without exception or discrimination (article 2).

• The best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children (article 3).

• Every child has an inherent right to life, and every country should ensure the survival and development of its children to the maximum extent possible (article 6).

• Children’s views must be taken into account in all matters affecting them (article 12).

• The Government should protect children from work that is dangerous, or might harm their health or their education (article 32).

• If children have been harmed through neglect or abuse they should receive special help to support them (article 39).

With rights also come responsibilities:

• If every child regardless of their sex, ethnic origin, social status, language, age, sexuality, nationality or religion has these rights, then they also have a responsibility to respect each other in a humane way.

• If children have a right to be protected from conflict, cruelty, exploitation and neglect, then they also have a responsibility not to bully or harm each other.

• If children have a right to a clean environment, then they also have a responsibility to do what they can to look after their environment.

• If children have a right to be educated, then they have the obligation to learn as much as their capabilities allow and, where possible, share their knowledge and experience with others.

• If all children have a right to a full life, then they should also lend help so the needy, the disadvantaged, and the victims of discrimination also enjoy this right.

• If children have a right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, then they also have the obligation to respect other’s thoughts or religious principles.

Can you think of other responsibilities?

Derived from a Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities, by an organisation called World Goodwill, composed of ex-heads of state.

Further information:

Children and young people: visit UNICEF UK's Youth Voice website, or download a UNICEF leaflet on your rights and responsibilities.

Adults who work with children and young people: visit the UNICEF Teacherzone

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