Children & Young People's Rights

United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child

This version of the Convention has been produced by Save the Children.

Article 1

Everyone under 18 has these rights

Article 2

You have the right to protection against discrimination

Article 3

Adults should do what?s best for you

Article 4

You have the right to have your rights made a reality by government

Article 5

You have the right to be given guidance by your parents and family

Article 6

You have the right to life

Article 7

You have the right to have a name and a nationality

Article 8

You have the right to have an identity

Article 9

You have the right to live with your parents unless it is bad for you

Article 10

If you and your parents are living in different countries, you have the right to get back together and live in the same place

Article 11

You should not be kidnapped

Article 12

You have the right to an opinion and for it to be listened to and taken seriously

Article 13

You have the right to find out things and say what you think, through making art, speaking and writing unless it breaks the rights of others

Article 14

You have the right to think what you like and be whatever religion you want to be with your parents guidance

Article 15

You have the right to be with friends and join or set up clubs, unless this breaks the rights of others

Article 16

You have the right to a private life, ie you can keep a diary that other people are not allowed to see

Article 17

You have the right to collect information from the media

Article 18

You have the right to be brought up by your parents if possible

Article 19

You have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated

Article 20

You have the right to special protection and help if you can?t live with your parents

Article 21

You have the right to have the best care for you if you are adopted or living in foster care

Article 22

You have the right to special protection and help if you are a refugee

Article 23

If you are disabled, either mentally or physically, you have the right to special care and education

Article 24

You have the right to the best health possible and to medical care and information

Article 25

You have the right to have your living arrangements checked regularly if you are living away from home

Article 26

You have the right to help from the government if you are poor or in need

Article 27

You have the right to have a good enough standard of living

Article 28

You have the right to education

Article 29

You have the right to education which develops your personality, respect for other?s rights and the environment

Article 30

If you come from a minority group you have the right to enjoy your own culture, practice your own religion and use your own language

Article 31

You have the right to play and relax by doing things like sport, music and drama

Article 32

You have the right to protection from work which is bad for your health or education

Article 33

You have the right to be protected from dangerous drugs

Article 34

You have the right to be protected from sexual abuse

Article 35

No one is allowed to kidnap you or sell you

Article 36

You have the right to protection from any other kind of exploitation

Article 37

You have the right not to be punished in a cruel or hurtful way

Article 38

You have the right to protection in times of war. If under 15 you should never have to be in the army or a battle

Article 39

You have the right to help if you have been hurt, neglected or badly treated

Article 40

You have the right to help in defending yourself if you are accused of breaking the law

Article 41

You have the right to any rights in laws in your country or internationally that give you better rights than these

Article 42

All adults and children should know about this convention

Articles 43 - 54 are about how governments and international organisations will work to give children their rights.