Children are the most vulnerable members of society. Their well-being and future depend on adults actively working to keep them safe, healthy and educated. Every government policy, action or inaction impacts children more strongly than any other group and therefore must take into account all of their rights.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) came into effect in 1990, and now there are 196 countries that have signed it. It is a global law that protects children’s growth and development. However, it is still not widely known or understood. Millions of children continue to suffer violations of their rights. Their lives are threatened by violence, soaring poverty and poor living conditions, natural disaster, displacement, conflict and disease outbreaks. Their childhoods are cut short by being forced to leave school, do hazardous work or fight in wars.

All children have a right to live in a family, to their own identity and to be protected from separation from parents and guardians. They have a right to education and all other basic needs such as nutrition, clean water and shelter. All governments should help children to meet these basic requirements and to break the cycle of poverty and deprivation that affects them.

Governments should provide free and quality education that gives children a chance to develop their personalities, talents, skills and abilities, and also prepares them for active participation as citizens of their country. They should also have the freedom to express themselves, provided that they do not harm others or infringe on other people’s rights. Children should have access to health services and should be protected from harmful work, drugs, sexual abuse and corporal punishment.

Parents and guardians are responsible for bringing up their children, but there are many situations where they cannot look after them themselves. In these cases, children have the right to be looked after by those who respect their religion, culture and language. Children who are not looked after by their parents or guardians have the right to be visited by them at least once a year, unless it would harm them in any way.

All children should have their physical, mental and emotional well-being monitored regularly. Governments should ensure that children have adequate access to medical facilities and care, especially if they are away from home. They should be free from all forms of abuse, including sex trafficking, corporal punishment, emotional and psychological abuse, harmful labour, child marriage and sexual abuse. Governments should also ensure that all complaints of abuse are taken seriously and that all perpetrators of abuse receive the maximum penalty under the law.

The world’s children need to understand that they can change the world by taking a stand against violations of their rights. They can do this by signing the CRC, spreading the word about its importance and by helping to solve problems like child labour and human trafficking. This will lead to a safer and better world for everyone.