Know your rights

So what's all this about children's rights? Want to know more and find out if you have got any? Then read on.

All children and young people have got rights – and the rights to know what they are.

In 1991 the UK government agreed with other countries that all children have certain rights. Rights are there to make sure people have a good life. The reason children have different rights to adults is that they sometimes need more protection.

So, what rights do you have?

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) spells out 42 different rights. Some examples of the rights you have are:

• You have the right to not be separated from your family unless it's not in your best interests
• You have the right to have a say about decisions that affect you and have your opinion heard
• You have the right to think and believe what you want and practice religion (as long as it doesn't stop other children and young people from enjoying their rights)
• You have the right to healthcare, clean water, food and a clean environment. Rich countries should help poor countries also have this
• You have a right to education. You have a right to be treated with respect

Some rights also mean you have a responsibility. If you enjoy the right to be listened to when decisions are made that affect you, this also means that you have to listen to other people when what you do affects them.

You can find out more on the Unicef Youth Voice website.

This leaflet tells you more about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child:

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (PDF)
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (RTF)

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