Every child is born with the same inalienable rights to a healthy start in life, an education and a safe childhood. They are also born with a right to be treated fairly and with respect. These rights are set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – the most important international agreement about children’s rights.

The Convention explains who children are, all their rights and the responsibilities of governments to protect them. It sets out 54 articles covering every aspect of a child’s life. It is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

Children’s rights include the right to live in a safe, clean environment; food and water; shelter; schooling; health care; play; and parental responsibility. They are also entitled to protection from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. They should be protected by the government, parents and other adults who are responsible for them. They should also be free from discrimination based on their colour, gender, disability or wealth.

Governments must ensure that all children have a good standard of living. This includes a home, enough food and clean water, a warm bed and clothes, schooling, health care, a clean environment, electricity and access to technology. They also have a right to play and relax in a way that is best for them. Children must not be separated from their parents unless they are being badly looked after or there is a danger to them. Where a family can’t look after their own children, governments should help them find suitable families who will.

All children have the right to have a say about their lives. They can be consulted and asked for their opinion on matters that affect them, such as where they should live or what they should learn at school. Children also have the right to privacy – their family, home and personal information should not be published without their permission. They should be able to take part in cultural and creative activities and be allowed to express themselves freely, even if this is controversial or unpopular.

Children must not be sold, kidnapped or taken to other countries to be used for sex, work or labour. They should not be tortured or treated cruelly and they should only be put in prison as a last resort, and never for a long time. When they are in prison, they should be given legal help, and have contact with their family. The Convention explains what rights prisoners have too. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child regularly reviews countries’ actions to make sure they are complying with the Convention. They report back to the United Nations General Assembly on their findings. You can find more information about the UNCRC on their website.