The United Nations Convention on the

Rights of the Child

Article 1 Article 17 Article 30
Everyone under 18 has all these rights. You have the right to collect information from the If you come from a minority group, because of your
media – radios, newspapers, television, etc – from race, religion or language, you have the right to
Article 2 all around the world.You should also be protected enjoy your own culture, practise your own religion,
You have the right to protection against from information that could harm you. and use your own language.
discrimination.This means that nobody can treat
you badly because of your colour, sex or religion, if Article 18 Article 31
you speak another language, have a disability, or You have the right to be brought up by your You have the right to play and relax by doing things
are rich or poor. parents, if possible. like sports, music and drama.

Article 3 Article 19 Article 32

All adults should always do what is best for you. You have the right to protection from work that is
You have the right to be protected from being hurt
bad for your health or education.
Article 4 or badly treated.
You have the right to have your rights made a Article 33
reality by the government. Article 20 You have the right to be protected from dangerous
You have the right to special protection and help if drugs.
Article 5 you can’t live with your parents.
You have the right to be given guidance by your Article 34
parents and family. Article 21 You have the right to be protected from sexual
You have the right to have the best care for you if abuse.
Article 6 you are adopted or fostered or living in care.
You have the right to life. Article 35
Article 22 No-one is allowed to kidnap you or sell you.
Article 7 You have the right to special protection and help if
You have the right to have a name and a nationality. you are a refugee. A refugee is someone who has Article 36
had to leave their country because it is not safe for You have the right to protection from of any other
Article 8 them to live there. kind of exploitation.
You have the right to an identity.
Article 23 Article 37
Article 9 If you are disabled, either mentally or physically, you
You have the right not to be punished in a cruel or
You have the right to live with your parents, unless it hurtful way.
have the right to special care and education to help
is bad for you.
you develop and lead a full life.
Article 38
Article 10 You have a right to protection in times of war. If you
If you and your parents are living in separate Article 24 are under 15, you should never have to be in an
countries, you have the right to get back together You have a right to the best health possible and to army or take part in a battle.
and live in the same place. medical care and to information that will help you
to stay well. Article 39
Article 11 You have the right to help if you have been hurt,
You should not be kidnapped. Article 25 neglected, or badly treated.
You have the right to have your living
Article 12 arrangements checked regularly if you have to be Article 40
You have the right to an opinion and for it to be looked after away from home. You have the right to help in defending yourself if
listened to and taken seriously. you are accused of breaking the law.
Article 26
Article 13 You have the right to help from the government if Article 41
You have the right to find out things and say what you are poor or in need. You have the right to any rights in laws in your
you think, through making art, speaking and writing, country or internationally that give you better rights
unless it breaks the rights of others. Article 27 than these.
You have the right to a good enough standard of
Article 14 living.This means you should have food, clothes and
Article 42
You have the right to think what you like and be All adults and children should know about this
a place to live.
whatever religion you want to be, with your convention.You have a right to learn about your
parents’ guidance. rights and adults should learn about them too.
Article 28
Article 15 You have the right to education.
You have the right to be with friends and join or set This is a simplified version of the United Nations Convention

up clubs, unless this breaks the rights of others. Article 29 on the Rights of the Child. It has been signed by 191 countries.
You have the right to education which tries to The convention has 54 articles in total.Articles 43 – 54 are
about how governments and international organisations will
Article 16 develop your personality and abilities as much as
work to give children their rights.
You have the right to a private life. For instance, you possible and encourages you to respect other
can keep a diary that other people are not allowed people’s rights and values and to respect the The official text of the Convention can be obtained from Save the
to see. environment. Children, Education Department, 17 Grove Lane, London SE5 8RD.

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