The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an important agreement by countries who have promised to protect children. It explains who children are and all their rights, and it sets out responsibilities for governments to protect them.

The right to education is essential for the full development of a child’s personality, talents and abilities. It also helps them to understand the world around them and to become independent. Education should be free and accessible to all children. Children should be protected from being used for labour, and kept safe in school, at work and on the way to and from school. Children must be protected against all forms of violence and exploitation, including sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse, and against trafficking. Children should have the opportunity to express themselves freely, both in their own language and in any other language they choose to use, in accordance with the law of their country. Children should be allowed to form and hold groups and associations, and have access to information and ideas through media of their choice, unless this is contrary to the interests of national security or public order (ordre public), or is harmful to others’ health or morals.

All children have the right to freedom of movement within their own country, and to travel to other countries for purposes of tourism or to work. They have the right to live with their parents if they wish, but this must not prevent them from living independently. Children have the right to rest and leisure, and to engage in play and recreation at a level appropriate to their age and stage of development. This includes leisure activities provided by schools, and it includes the right to rest and relax away from home, at school and in the community.

Every child has the right to a standard of living adequate for their physical, mental and social well-being, including food, clothing, housing and medical care. All countries should ensure that children have access to quality education and health care, and that all laws are in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In conflict situations, the recruitment and use of children by armed forces or armed groups is a serious breach of children’s rights. The UNCRC has adopted two Optional Protocols to the Convention, aimed at preventing these violations and improving their protection:

One billion children live in a world where they are exposed to violence, and every seven minutes, one dies from it. To stop this, all adults must respect children’s rights, and all governments should make sure that the people who look after children know about them. They should provide them with the opportunity to exercise these rights, and they must solve problems like child labour, the sexual exploitation of children, and the reasons behind child marriage. This will help to create a safer world where children can grow and thrive.