Children's Rights

In January 1992 the UK government adopted The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child applies to all children and young people up to the age of 18. There are 54 articles which cover children's social, political, economic and civil rights. Also within The Convention are instructions on how governments must publicise or implement these rights.

By adopting this treaty, children in the UK were guaranteed over 40 specific rights which included:

  • The right to have their views listened to and respected
  • The right to life and to be supported to develop and grow
  • The right to a name and a nationality
  • The right to know both of their parents
  • The right to be protected from violence
  • The right to the best possible health care
  • The right to have an education
  • The right to play
  • The right to have access to a range of cultural and artistic activities
  • The rights included in the convention apply to all children and young people, with no exceptions.

You can find out more about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by visiting the website of UNICEF www.unicef.org/crc