Your Rights

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international document that sets out all of the rights that children have

The UNCRC defines a child as any person under the age of 18.  By law children aren’t always able to make decisions on their own for themselves and their adult caregivers, including parents, social worker and teachers have that authority, depending on their circumstances. As children grow they will have more responsibility to make choices and exercise their rights.

Human rights exist so that we are treated properly, and given the freedom to develop to our full potential and wellbeing. The Convention says what countries must do so to make sure that all children grow as healthy as possible, can learn at school, are protected, have their views listened to, and are treated fairly.

Well-being doesn’t only mean being healthy; amongst other things it means:

• being well in your emotions;
• feeling safe where you live;
• having every chance to do well at school;
• having friends;
• being a part of good, strong communities;
• being safe from violence.

For more information about your rights, click here.