Children are the future of our planet and deserve to have a safe place to grow up in. Their rights include the right to education, protection from violence and discrimination and access to clean water and food. Children should also be allowed to express their opinions freely, and adults should take these opinions seriously. They have the right to be free from censorship and to receive and impart information without discrimination, whether this is through internet, radio, television or books. Children should have the freedom to choose their religion and beliefs, and should be allowed to join groups or organisations if they wish. They have the right to make and distribute art that does not harm others, and to participate in cultural activities.

Governments must make sure that children have a safe environment to live in, including access to food, clean drinking water and shelter. They must also provide schools that are free and allow parents to choose how their child is taught. Schools must teach children to respect other people’s cultures and religions and be respectful of the earth.

Every child has the right to have a family and friends that care for them, and who can look after them when they are not well. The parents or guardians of a child have the primary responsibility for bringing up their children, but they should not neglect or abuse them. Governments should help parents who cannot look after their own children, and must make sure that anyone who looks after them is doing a good job.

Parents and other adults should not force their beliefs or religion on children, or make them go against their beliefs. They should respect a child’s culture, language and religion. They should also teach children to be healthy, and prevent them from getting ill. Governments should make sure that children can enjoy their right to health, which includes having access to medicines and healthcare, as well as having the chance to get an education so they can develop into healthy and active members of society.

The right to education gives a child the opportunity to learn and build their own future. It allows them to take part in social and economic life, to develop a sense of dignity and contributes to the development of an active, pluralistic community. Every child has the right to an education that is appropriate for their age, gender, social and economic background, racial or ethnic origin and disabilities.

Children have the right to a name and nationality, and they must be able to prove that they exist. This is especially important for girls living in low-income countries, who may not be able to access their rights and services unless they are registered at birth. Governments must also protect children from being kidnapped and removed out of their country.

Children have the right to be protected from sexual exploitation and abuse, even in cases of marriage or adoption. They also have the right to be free from the harmful effects of certain traditional practices, which can be a threat to their health. They have the right to be treated fairly, and they should not be subject to any forms of discrimination based on their race or ethnicity, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious belief.