All the countries in the world except the USA* have ratified (pledged to follow) the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This means they must put children’s best interests first and listen to what children have to say. Find a simplified version of the Convention here. And find the full text here.

Basic principles 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.

Download fact sheets (PDF)

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. This means they must put children’s best interests first and listen to what children have to say!

Basic principles 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.

* USA has signed the Convention but not ratified it, thus it is not legally binding.