The UNCRC is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Unicef define it as ‘the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced and the most widely-ratified international human rights treaty in history.’
The Convention contains 54 rights or ‘Articles’ that cover all aspects of a child’s life from birth to the age of 18. Adults and the Government are Duty Bearers who should ensure all children have access to and can enjoy their rights.
In accordance with Article 2 of the Convention, all children and young people have rights, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, language, abilities, or any other status.
Unicef explains that:
Rights are for all children and young people throughout the world (universal), are there at birth (inherent), cannot be taken away (inalienable), do not come with any conditions attached to them (unconditional) and are all equally important (indivisible).
A summary version of the UNCRC is available on the button below
