Children have a number of basic rights, including the right to health care, education, and protection from abuse and exploitation. These rights are protected by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. They are also enshrined in the Optional Protocols to the CRC.

Article 3.2 of the CRC states that children have the right to health care. This includes preventive health care, family planning education, and guidance for parents. It is the responsibility of the state to provide this assistance. However, this should be appropriate to the conditions of the child and the circumstances of his or her parents.

The Optional Protocols to the CRC address specific concerns, such as child pornography and armed conflict. Children’s rights also include the right to participate in decision-making, such as voting. The CRC seeks to promote and protect children’s participation in society and their development.

While these rights are a universal concept, the nature of the obligations of the state to protect them has become increasingly contested. For instance, one out of six children in the world live in extreme poverty. This puts them at high risk of malnutrition, environmental pollution, and unsafe drinking water.

There are currently 290 million unregistered children worldwide. Without legal proof of existence, these children are unable to receive healthcare or education. If they reach adulthood, they may not be able to work. As such, their rights are often overlooked.

Every child has the right to health, education, and a safe, clean environment. In addition, the UNCRC provides for special protection during times of war. The right to freedom of expression is also protected. Moreover, the rights of indigenous children to speak their own language and practice their religion are recognized.

Despite their rights, millions of children are victims of targeted attacks and violence. In countries where children are in need, UNICEF is working to help them achieve their rights. Through its programs, the organization works to support families in crisis, provide medical care, and promote education. A free online child rights education course is available from the organization.

According to the UN, every human being, regardless of age, has the right to live in a safe and healthy environment. Every society has a stake in expanding these opportunities for children. To achieve these goals, it is essential to reduce poverty and malnutrition, to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, to prevent child labour, and to improve access to education.

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action emphasizes the importance of education and encourages all nations to pursue national action plans to improve the lives of children. It also calls for reducing infant mortality and encouraging international cooperation to address children’s rights.

One in seven children dies each year, and children are especially vulnerable to environmental pollution, lack of safe drinking water, and inadequate health care. Moreover, poverty and malnutrition threaten the future of societies. Thousands of children are displaced from their homes and live in camps, many unaccompanied by their families.