Children need to grow up in a safe, caring environment that nurtures their development into adults with the potential to reach their fullest potential. They should not be forced to sacrifice their lives, their health or their future because of violence and abuse, poverty, exploitation, natural disaster or war.
All adults should consider how their decisions affect children – and do what’s best for them. They also have the right to make their own decisions – within the law – and be treated fairly.
The rights of children are protected by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a set of 54 articles or parts that spell out what’s fair and what’s not. It applies to everyone everywhere – regardless of whether they are rich or poor, a boy or a girl, a person with a disability or not, who they love, what language they speak, where they live or what religion they follow. It is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.
It is a fundamental part of the UN family and it’s a powerful tool that makes sure governments respect and uphold the rights of children. UNICEF focuses on saving the lives of children, protecting their rights and helping them reach their potential.
Children are the most vulnerable in society and need to be at the centre of all decisions about their lives. Our work aims to ensure that they have access to the services and care they need, especially in emergencies. This includes promoting universal access to quality education and ensuring every child has a chance to learn. It includes addressing the causes of poverty and working to strengthen systems that provide essential health services – such as vaccinations and treatment for malnutrition – especially for pregnant women, infants and young children.
In conflict areas, we work to reduce the impact of violence on children through community education and training for adult leaders and volunteers. We train children to protect themselves in dangerous situations, and help them find ways to stay safe and cope with trauma. We also support the creation of safe spaces where children can meet and play in refugee camps and other communities.
Parents are the main people responsible for looking after their children, but if they can’t, other adults should take responsibility. Every child has the right to a healthy diet, clean drinking water, schooling and medical treatment. They also have the right to rest, leisure and the ability to express themselves freely – for example in music and art. Children should have the opportunity to learn their own language and culture, and be allowed to practise their religion without any discrimination.
Children have the right to be involved in decisions that affect them – for instance when they are being raised or when they’re in court. This is called participation by children, and adults should listen to them, take their opinions seriously and act on them. Children can use their voices to fight for what they believe in, for example by peacefully protesting about climate change and racial equality.