Know your rights

Rights – what rights? Most young people don’t know much about their rights. But whether it is about school, your rights as a consumer or your rights if the police decide to stop you, it always makes sense to know what your rights are.

'You’ve got the Right' is a new confidential advice service for children on human rights and equality law in England from the Children’s Rights Alliance for England (CRAE). They can give advise over the phone or via email about the law, your human rights and what to do if you are being treated unfairly as well as put you in touch with other services that can help. This service is for anyone under 18, but they can also advise adults calling on behalf of children. Please email advice@crae.org.uk or call 0800 32 88 759. Lines open Tue, Wed & Thur – 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

If you are under 18, then the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child also gives you certain rights. Want to know more? Then read on.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

In 1991, the UK government signed up to the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. It is the world’s most widely accepted human rights agreement. 191 countries have signed it (only USA and Somalia have not).

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 health care, clean water, food and a clean environment. Rich countries should help poor countries also have this
You have a right to education. Your dignity should be protected

These rights apply to everyone under 18 in every country in the world. Although some of them might seem more relevant to you as a young Londoner than others, it’s good to think globally and the Convention can help you to understand about the rights and lives of children in all parts of the world.

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)

In the UK

Are you interested in the big issues that affect the whole country? Living in the capital means you are in the middle of things and you have lots of great resources to find out more about how the country is managed. Find out more about what's happening in the country.

There is also now a Children's Commissioner for England, whose name is Al Aynsley-Green. He runs an office called 11 Million and it is his job to stand up for children's rights and make sure that that adults in charge listen to your views.

Every five years the UK government has to write a report for the United Nations saying whether children and young people in the UK really have all of these rights.

There is a project called, Get ready for Geneva to ensure that young people’s views and experiences in the UK are taken to the UN meeting in Geneva.

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		Know your rights Rights – what rights? Most young people don’t know much about their rights. But whether it is about school, your rights as a consumer or your rights if the police decide to stop you, it always makes sense to know what your rights are. 'You’ve got the Right' is a new confidential advice service for children on human rights and equality law in England from the Children’s Rights Alliance for England (CRAE). They can give advise over the phone or via email about the law, your human rights and what to do if you are being treated unfairly as well as put you in touch with other services that can help. This service is for anyone under 18, but they can also advise adults calling on behalf of children. Please email advice@crae.org.uk or call 0800 32 88 759. Lines open Tue, Wed & Thur – 3.30pm to 5.30pm. If you are under 18, then the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child also gives you certain rights. Want to know more? Then read on. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child In 1991, the UK government signed up to the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. It is the world’s most widely accepted human rights agreement. 191 countries have signed it (only USA and Somalia have not). 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 health care, clean water, food and a clean environment. Rich countries should help poor countries also have this You have a right to education. Your dignity should be protected These rights apply to everyone under 18 in every country in the world. Although some of them might seem more relevant to you as a young Londoner than others, it’s good to think globally and the Convention can help you to understand about the rights and lives of children in all parts of the world. 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) In the UK Are you interested in the big issues that affect the whole country? Living in the capital means you are in the middle of things and you have lots of great resources to find out more about how the country is managed. Find out more about what's happening in the country. There is also now a Children's Commissioner for England, whose name is Al Aynsley-Green. He runs an office called 11 Million and it is his job to stand up for children's rights and make sure that that adults in charge listen to your views. Every five years the UK government has to write a report for the United Nations saying whether children and young people in the UK really have all of these rights. There is a project called, Get ready for Geneva to ensure that young people’s views and experiences in the UK are taken to the UN meeting in Geneva. Go to top of page		Get involved Have your say about London Related stuff Legal advice

Know your rights

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

In the UK

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