Children are the most vulnerable people in society and face a range of risks including conflict, natural disaster, poverty, malnutrition and climate change. They need the right levels of care and protection to ensure they thrive and can contribute fully to their communities and countries.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is a powerful agreement signed by governments that explains who children are and all their rights. It has been ratified by more countries than any other international human rights treaty.

Governments that sign the UNCRC commit to respect, protect and fulfil all children’s rights in practice. UNICEF works with governments around the world to help them implement and uphold their commitments to children’s rights.

Every child has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter their age or background. This includes the right to freedom from violence, especially sexual abuse and corporal punishment. Children should be protected and supported by their families, including their extended family and community. They should also be able to practise their religion, language, culture and customs, if they wish to do so.

All children have a right to a quality education that is free and accessible, so they can grow into responsible adults who can lead healthy, productive lives and make positive contributions to their communities. The quality of their education should be monitored regularly and improvements made where necessary to meet their needs.

Children should have their health and well-being checked regularly, especially if they are living away from home, such as in foster care. They have a right to have their health, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing checked by trained professionals who are respectful of their autonomy. Governments have a responsibility to help families with health expenses when they cannot afford them.

When children have a say in decisions that affect them, such as when they are involved in court cases or other legal proceedings, they must be heard and their views taken seriously, provided they are of sufficient maturity. Children should also have access to unbiased information from a variety of sources, in their own languages and formats, as long as it does not harm them.

They have a right to freedom from harmful work, drugs, war, sale and trafficking in children, sex crimes against minors, corporal punishment and emotional and psychological abuse. Children who have been abused should be given support to recover, and abusers should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Children have a right to join and create groups and organisations that represent their interests. Adults should respect their participation, provided it does not jeopardise their safety or the rights of others. Children have a right to transmit and receive information through all media, including the internet, radio, TV, books and newspapers, in ways that suit their needs and are safe and appropriate for them. Governments should provide this service for children free of charge.