UN Convention on the Rights of the Child In Child Friendly Language
“Rights" are things every child should have or be able to do. All children have the same rights. These rights are listed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Almost every country has agreed to these rights. All the rights are connected to each other, and all are equally important. Sometimes, we have to think about rights in terms of what is the best for children in a situation, and what is critical to life and protection from harm. As you grow, you have more responsibility to make choices and exercise your rights.
Article 1 Everyone under 18 has these rights. Article 2 All children have these rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what their parents do, what language they speak, what their religion is, whether they are a boy or girl, what their culture is, whether they have a disability, whether they are rich or poor. No child should be treated unfairly on any basis. Article 3 All adults should do what is best for you. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect children. Article 4 The government has a responsibility to make sure your rights are protected. They must help your family to protect your rights and create an environment where you can grow and reach your potential. Article 5 Your family has the responsibility to help you learn to exercise your rights, and to ensure that your rights are protected. Article 6 You have the right to be alive. Article 7 You have the right to a name, and this should be officially recognized by the government. You have the right to a nationality (to belong to a country). Article 8 You have the right to an identity – an official record of who you are. No one should take this away from you. Article 9 You have the right to live with your parent(s), unless it is bad for you. You have the right to live with a family who cares for you. Article 10 If you live in a different country than your parents do, you...