Children's Rights
Children’s rights are human rights for children. Human rights are basic standards to which every person is entitled, to survive and develop in dignity. Many human rights treaties have been developed to recognize the basic rights of all people. Children have these rights, too. Children (under age 18) also have specific rights that were recognized in 1989. Children start life with great vulnerability and they must rely on adults for the nurture, protection and guidance they need to grow towards independence. Because they are still developing, and because in many countries the legal framework gives children less status and protection than adults, children are especially vulnerable to poverty and to inadequate health care, education, nutrition, safe water, housing, community services, protection and environmental pollution. In order to protect children, it has been created a list of human rights especifically for them. Children’s rights include the right to health, education, family life, play and recreation, an adequate standard of living and protection from abuse and harm. Children’s rights cover their developmental and age-appropriate needs that change over time as a child grows up. There are four general principles that underpin all children’s rights:
Non-discrimination means that all children have the same right to develop their potential in all situations and at all times.
The best interests of the child must be "a primary consideration" in all actions and decisions concerning a child, and must be used to resolve conflicts between different rights.
The right to survival and development underscores the vital importance of ensuring access to basic services and to equality of opportunity for children to achieve their full development.
The views of the child mean that the voice of the child must be heard and respected in all matters concerning his or her rights.
