Child Rights

Every child has rights no matter who they are, where they live or what they believe. These rights are enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Almost every country has agreed to realise these rights, including Australia. The Convention is made up of 54 Articles that outline the rights of children. Beautiful artworks created by Mia Cox help illustrate children's rights as set out in the Convention.
Please note the language used below has been adapted to teach young children about their rights. Go to www.unicef.org/crc to read all the articles outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Every child has rights no matter who they are, where they come from or what they believe.

This means children also have the responsibility to respect the rights of others, including other children and adults. Adapted from Article 2 of the CRC

Every child has the right to special help or care if they have any kind of disability. This means children have the responsibility to treat others equally and help children who need support. Adapted from Article 23 of the CRC

Every child has the right to be treated equally and fairly. This means children also have the responsibility to treat others with respect. Adapted from Article 2 and Article 23 of the CRC

Every child has the right to survive, live a full life and grow up healthy. This means children also have the responsibility to help make sure people in need also enjoy this right. Adapted from Article 6 of the CRC

Every child has the right to know and grow up with the support of their family. This means children also have the responsibility to respect, support and care for their family. Adapted from Article 9 and Article 18 of the CRC

Every child has the right to relax, play and meet with other children, to feel safe and have their rights respected.

This means that children can choose their own friends but also have the responsibility to include all children and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. Adapted from Article 15 and Article 31 of the CRC

Every child has the right to think and develop freely and use the language and customs of their family. This means children also have the responsibility to respect other peoples language, culture and beliefs. Adapted from Article 14 and Article 30 of the CRC

Every child has the right to survive and develop through access to good health care, nutritious food and clean water. This means children also have the responsibility to help others be healthy and thrive. Adapted from Article 6 and Article 24 of the CRC

Every child has the right to feel safe, live in a safe environment and be protected from neglect or abuse. This means children also have the responsibility to help others feel secure and protected. Adapted from Article 19 and Article 27 of the CRC

Every child has the right to an education that respects and develops their personality and abilities to their full potential. This means children also have the responsibility to make the most of their education and respect the abilities of others. Adapted from Article 28 of the CRC

Every child has the right to speak freely about matters that concern them and for their opinions to be listened to. This means children have the responsibility to listen to others and respect their opinions. Adapted from Article 12 of the CRC

Every child has the right to a name and identity. This means children have the responsibility to respect the names and nationalities of others. Adapted from Article 7 of the CRC

For more information about the Convention on the Rights of the Child, or for more educational resources, please go to:

http://www.unicef.org.au/Discover/Teachers.aspx