Article 1
Everyone under 18 has these rights.
The first article of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – or UNCRC – says that all people under 18 have the rights it talks about, no matter who they are.
In Scotland the UNCRC applies to:
- everyone under 18
- everyone under 21 who has been looked after or in care.
A child or young person doesn’t need to be a Scottish citizen to fall under the Commissioner's protection— they just need to live in Scotland.
Related articles
Article 5 is about the responsibilities parents have towards a child in their care, and how they change as that child grows up.
Article 24 considers the age a young person can consent to medical treatment without a parent or guardian's input.
Article 28 considers the age at which a young person can choose to leave education.
Article 32 talks about the different ages at which children and young people should be allowed to do different kinds of work.
Article 34 talks about the age of consent.
Article 37 talks about the kinds of punishment that people below 18 shouldn't be given.
Article 38 talks about the minimum age at which a young person can join the armed forces.
Article 40 talks about the age of criminal responsibility.
Find out more
Equality and Human Rights Commission: Human rights
The UNCRC makes it clear that children and young people have human rights. Find out more about these on the Equality and Human Rights Commission's site.
The Scottish Government: Children's rights
Find out what the Scottish Government does to promote and protect the rights of children and young people.
The UK Government: UNCRC
Find out what the UK Government does to support the UNCRC.