Children are human beings and they deserve to be treated with respect. They should have the right to life, education and the protection from all kinds of abuse including neglect, violence and exploitation. They should be free to express their opinions, beliefs and culture in any way they choose – but not to harm others. Children also need to be able to communicate with adults so that their views are heard and taken seriously.

This is why many countries have agreed to protect children by signing and ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It sets out standards in health care, education and civil and social services. It means that governments have a legal duty to protect and promote the rights of children.

The CRC recognises that children need to live in a safe and healthy environment so they can grow and develop to their full potential. This includes access to adequate food, water and housing. It also means that governments must help families who are unable to meet these basic needs.

Every child has a right to an education that will develop their personality, talents and abilities. It should be free and of good quality. It should encourage children to learn about their own cultures and to respect other people’s cultural differences. And it should also help them to understand the importance of protecting and preserving the environment.

Children should have the right to express their ideas, thoughts and feelings freely in all forms of communication – including the media. But governments must balance this with their responsibility to ensure that children do not receive information or materials that are harmful to them.

It is important that children are able to join groups and organisations so that they can take part in the community. But governments should not restrict this right unless it is necessary for national security or public order (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals, or the prevention of the spread of a disease like yaws which can be fatal to children.

All children have a right to be heard in any legal or administrative proceedings that affect them. This can be done directly or through a representative. But the court must decide whether it is in the best interests of the child to give this right or not.

No child should be forced to take part in war. This is why governments must provide special protection for them during conflict and do everything possible to stop children being recruited into armed forces and groups. It is also why they should do all they can to protect children who are injured or affected by war. It is why the CRC says that children should be able to get help when they are hurt or suffering or accused of breaking the law. And it is why the CRC says that they should have the same rights as other citizens to freedom of expression, assembly and association.