The Rights

Unicef – The Rights

These rights describe what a child needs to survive, grow, and live up to their potential in the world.  They apply equally to every child, no matter who they are or where they come from. All children have rights, even those affected by conflict or emergencies.

Wants and Needs

The basic needs that should be met so children and young people grow up to reach their full potential are enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 

What are the rights?

There are 54 articles (rights) in the convention.

Article 1

Everyone under 18 years of age has all the rights in this Convention.

 

Article 42

Governments should make the convention known to children and adults.

 

Article 12

Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account.

 

Article 19

Governments should ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse and neglect by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.

 

Article 24

Children have the right to the best possible health, and to clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment so that they will stay healthy. Rich countries should help poorer countries achieve this.

 

Article 28

Children have a right to an education. Discipline in schools should respect children’s human dignity. Primary education should be free. Wealthy countries should help poorer countries achieve this.

 

Article 31

All children have a right to relax and play, and to join a wide range of activities.