The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CROC) is an International Convention that protects your right as a child and youth up to the age of eighteen. While it is quite lengthy, the overall message is the same. You have rights and it is important that they are upheld and recognised. Here are some of the rights identified in CROC:
  • Protection from all forms of discrimination (Article 2)
  • All decisions made about you must be in your best interest (Article 3)
  • You have the right to life (Article 6)
  • You have a right to a name and the right to acquire a nationality (Article 7)
  • You have a right to know about your identity such as your nationality, name and family (Article 8)
  • You can't be separated from your parents if it is against your will or in our best interest (Article 9)
  • If you are capable of forming your own views you also have the right to express your views (Article 12)
  • You have the right to freedom of expression and information if it is done lawfully (Article 13)
  • You have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 14)
  • You have the right to privacy (Article 16)
  • You have the right to obtain information, especially information that will benefit you, and you should be able to access this information through the media (Article 17)
  • You are to be protected from neglect and abuse (Article 19)
  • Child refugees have the right to special assistance and protection (Article 22)
  • Disabled children have the right to special care (Article 26)
  • You have the right to the best possible health services (Article 24)
  • You have the right to benefit from social security (Article 26)
  • You have the right to an adequate standard of living (Article 27)
  • You have the right to education (Article 28)
  • Indigenous children and those belonging to a minority group have the right to practice your own religion and culture, and use your own language (Article 30)
  • You have the right to take part in leisure, recreation and cultural activities (Article 31)
  • You should be protected from economic exploitation and work which harms your development and/or education (Article 32)
  • You should be protected from illegal drugs (Article 33)
  • You should be protected from sexual exploitation and abuse (Article 34)
  • You have the right to be protected or prevented from abduction, sale or trafficking and all other forms of exploitation (Article 35 and 36)
  • You must not be subject to torture or any other cruel punishment (Article 37)
  • Your freedom and liberty should not be unlawfully taken from you (Article 37)
  • Under no circumstances should you be sentenced to death or life imprisonment (Article 37)
  • If you have faced neglect, abuse or punishment, you have the right to rehabilitative care (Article 39)
  • You have rights that relate to the administration of justice and criminal procedure including the right to support in preparation and presentation of a defence to any charges brought against you (Article 40)
Click here to access a full text of the Convention on the Rights of the Child