Learn about Child Rights

Did you know that every child has the right to rest, relax, play and express opinions?

Children have rights, like the right to life, safety, family, identity, expression and protection from violence among many others.

All children the world over have the same rights. For children to reach their full potential and have the best possible future, their rights need to be protected and realised.

Q1: What is United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international legal commitment by world leaders to protect every child and to fulfill their rights.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations in 20 November 1989. It is the first legally binding international instrument incorporating the full range of human rights for children. It articulates the full complement of civil, political, cultural, social and economic rights for all children. Currently, 196 countries, almost every member of the United Nations except United States, have ratified CRC. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child(CRC) came into force in Hong Kong in 1994, and its provisions continue to apply to Hong Kong after the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Q2: Who is a child?

A person under 18.

Q3: Why do we single out child rights in a separate human rights Convention?

Because…

	Children are individuals. They have equal status as members of the human family.
	Children start life as totally dependent beings. Children must rely on adults for the nurture and guidance they need to grow towards independence.
	The actions, or inactions, of government impact children more strongly than any other group in society.
	Children’s views are rarely heard and considered in the political process. Children generally do not vote and do not take part in political processes.
	Many changes in society are often having a negative impact on children, e.g. transformation of the family structure, globalization and a shrinking social welfare net.
	The healthy development of children is crucial to the future well-being of any society. Because they are still developing, children are especially vulnerable to poor living conditions.
	The costs to society of failing its children are huge. Social research findings show that children's earliest experiences significantly influence their future development. The course of their development determines their contribution, or cost, to society over the course of their lives.

Q4: What are the rights under CRC?

The articles of the CRC can be grouped into four categories of rights.

Survival

Every child has the rights to survival, eg. nutritious food, clean water, adequate housing, basic health care services, etc.

Protection

Every child has the right to special protection in situations of armed conflict or conflict with the law, and should be protected from any forms of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Development

Every child has the right to education, leisure, participation in cultural activities and understanding their basic rights, etc.

Participation

Every child has the right to freedom of expression; social, economic, cultural and religion activities; association and peaceful assembly; information from diverse sources. Their opinions have to be heard and given proper consideration.