Basic ideas of the Convention:

• All children are equal and have the same rights.
• Every child has the right to have his or her basic needs fulfilled.
• Every child has the right to protection from abuse and exploitation.
• Every child has the right to express his or her opinion and to be respected.

What is a convention?

A convention is an international agreement, a contract between countries. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is one of the six UN conventions on human rights.

Here we present some of the articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in an abbreviated version.

Download a simplified kid's convention as a PDF:

Article 1
These rights apply to all children under 18 in the world.

Article 2
All children have the same rights and should not be discriminated against. Nobody should treat you badly because of your appearance, your skin colour, your gender, your language, your religion, or your opinions.

Article 3
When adults make decisions affecting children, they must think about what is in the best interests of the child. Politicians, authorities and the courts must consider how their decisions affect children, whether it is one child or many.

Article 6
You have the right to life, and to be able to develop.

Article 7
You have the right to a name and a nationality.

Article 9
You have the right to live with your parents unless it’s bad for you. You have the right to be brought up by your parents, if possible.

Article 12–15
You have the right to say what you think. Your opinions should be respected in all matters concerning you – at home, at school and by the authorities and the courts.

Article 18
Your parents are jointly responsible for your upbringing and development. They must always put your interests first.

Article 19
You have the right to protection from all forms of violence, neglect, abuse and mistreatment. You should not be exploited by your parents or other guardians.

Artiklar 20–21
You are entitled to receive care if you have lost your family.

Article 22
If you are a refugee, you have the right to protection and assistance. If you are in a new country, you have the same rights as all other children there. If you arrived alone, you should be given help to reunite with your family.

Article 23
All children have the right to a good life. If you have a disability you have the right to extra support and help.

Article 24
When you are sick, you have the right to receive all the help and care you need.

Artiklar 28–29
You have the right to go to school and to learn about important things, including respect for human rights, your own and other cultures and the equal value of all people.

Article 30
The thoughts and beliefs of every child should be respected. If you belong to a minority, you have the right to your own language, your own culture and your own religion.

Article 31
You have the right to play, rest and free time, and the right to live in a healthy environment.

Article 32
You should not be forced to do hazardous work that prevents your schooling and damages your health.

Article 34
No one should subject you to abuse or force you into commercial sexual exploitation. If you are treated badly, you are entitled to protection and help.

Article 35
No one is allowed to kidnap and/or sell you.

Article 37
No one should punish you in a cruel and harmful way.

Article 38
You never have to be a soldier or take part in armed conflict.

Article 42
You have the right to information and knowledge about your rights. Parents and other adults should know about the Convention on the Rights of the Child.