The United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a legally binding international agreement that most countries in the world have signed up to and it sets out the rights of every child.

The UNCRC has 54 articles that set out children’s rights and it tells us how governments should work together to make them available to all children regardless of their race, religion or abilities. It also says that governments are required to meet children’s basic needs and help them reach their full potential.

The UNCRC says that every child has basic fundamental rights.

These include the right to:

• Life, survival and development
• Protection from violence, abuse or neglect
• An education that enables children to fulfil their potential
• Be raised by, or have a relationship with, their parents
• Express their opinions and be listened to.

It is important to remember the ABCDE of rights!

• A: Rights are for ALL children. Universal
• B: Rights are there at BIRTH. Inherent
• C: Rights CANNOT be taken away. Inalienable
• D: Rights DO NOT have to be earnt. Unconditional
• E: All rights are EQUALLY important. Indivisible

More information can be found out about the UNCRC and the work of UNICEF can be read here.