Here's a tool to help children understand their rights and responsibilities...

1. UN Convention
on the Rights of the Child
In Child Friendly
Language
“Rights" are things every child should have or be able to
do. All children have the same rights. These rights are list-
ed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Almost every country has agreed to these rights. All the
rights are connected to each other, and all are equally
important. Sometimes, we have to think about rights in
terms of what is the best for children in a situation, and
what is critical to life and protection from harm. As you
grow, you have more responsibility to make choices and
exercise your rights.
Article 1 Article 15 Article 28 Article 40
Everyone under 18 has these rights. You have the right to choose your own friends You have the right to a good quality education. You have the right to legal help and fair treat-
and join or set up groups, as long as it isn't You should be encouraged to go to school to ment in the justice system that respects your
Article 2
harmful to others. the highest level you can. rights.
All children have these rights, no matter who
they are, where they live, what their parents do, Article 16 Article 29 Article 41
what language they speak, what their religion is, You have the right to privacy. Your education should help you use and devel- If the laws of your country provide better pro-
whether they are a boy or girl, what their culture op your talents and abilities. It should also help tection of your rights than the articles in this
Article 17
is, whether they have a disability, whether they you learn to live peacefully, protect the environ- Convention, those laws should apply.
You have the right to get information that is
are rich or poor. No child should be treated ment and respect other people.
important to your well-being, from radio, news- Article 42
unfairly on any basis.
paper, books, computers and other sources. Article 30 You have the right to know your rights!
Article 3 Adults should make sure that the information You have the right to practice your own culture, Adults should know about these rights and
All adults should do what is best for you. When you are getting is not harmful, and help you language and religion - or any you choose. help you learn about them, too.
adults make decisions, they should think about find and understand the information you need. Minority and indigenous groups need special
Articles 43 to 54
how their decisions will affect children. protection of this right.
Article 18 These articles explain how governments and
Article 4 You have the right to be raised by your par- Article 31 international organizations like UNICEF will
The government has a responsibility to make sure ent(s) if possible. You have the right to play and rest. work to ensure children are protected with
your rights are protected. They must help your their rights.
Article 19 Article 32
family to protect your rights and create an envi-
You have the right to be protected from being You have the right to protection from work that
ronment where you can grow and reach your
hurt and mistreated, in body or mind. harms you, and is bad for your health and edu-
potential.
cation. If you work, you have the right to be
Article 20
Article 5 safe and paid fairly.
You have the right to special care and help if
Your family has the responsibility to help you
you cannot live with your parents. Article 33
learn to exercise your rights, and to ensure that
You have the right to protection from harmful
your rights are protected. Article 21
drugs and from the drug trade.
You have the right to care and protection if
Article 6
you are adopted or in foster care. Article 34
You have the right to be alive.
You have the right to
Article 22
Article 7 be free from sexual
You have the right to special protection and
You have the right to a name, and this should be abuse.Article 35No one is
help if you are a refugee (if you have been
officially recognized by the government. You have allowed to kidnap or sell
forced to leave your home and live in another
the right to a nationality (to belong to a country). you.
country), as well as all the rights in this
Article 8 Convention. Article 36
You have the right to an identity – an official You have the right to protection
Article 23
record of who you are. No one should take this from any kind of exploitation (being
You have the right to special education and
away from you. taken advantage of).
care if you have a disability, as well as all the
Article 9 rights in this Convention, so that you can live a Article 37
You have the right to live with your parent(s), full life. No one is allowed to punish
unless it is bad for you. You have the right to live you in a cruel or harmful way.
Article 24
with a family who cares for you.
You have the right to the best health care pos- Article 38
Article 10 sible, safe water to drink, nutritious food, a You have the right to protection
If you live in a different country than your par- clean and safe environment, and information and freedom from war. Children
ents do, you have the right to be together in the to help you stay well. under 15 cannot be forced to go into
same place. the army or take part in war.
Article 25
Article 11 If you live in care or in other situations away Article 39
You have the right to be protected from kidnap- from home, you have the right to have these You have the right to help if you've been hurt,
ping. living arrangements looked at regularly to see neglected or badly treated.
if they are the most appropriate.
Article 12
You have the right to give your opinion, and for Article 26
adults to listen and take it seriously. You have the right to help from the govern-
ment if you are poor or in need.
Article 13
You have the right to find out things and share Article 27
what you think with others, by talking, drawing, You have the right to food, clothing, a safe
writing or in any other way unless it harms or place to live and to have your basic needs met.
offends other people. You should not be disadvantaged so that you
can't do many of the things other kids can do.
Article 14
You have the right to choose your own religion
and beliefs. Your parents should help you decide
what is right and wrong, and what is best for
you.