Rights are things that every child, young person or adult should be able to have, enjoy, or do. Children (that's anyone under 18) have additional rights as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to recognise the extra protection and empowerment they need to experience their rights equally.
What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child?
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Children’s human rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has been around for 30 years, and is the most signed international treaty in the world. The convention has 54 articles that cover all aspects of a child’s life and set out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all children everywhere are entitled to. It also explains how adults and governments must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights. Every child has rights, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status. Read about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child here.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has been around for 30 years, and is the most signed international treaty in the world. We will use the information you share with us in a report for the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child’s Day of General Discussion on Children in Alternative Care.
What is the Day of General Discussion?
United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child’s Day of General Discussion on Children in Alternative Care:
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child is a group of 18 experts that check if governments around the world are making sure children and young people experience their human rights. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child holds Days of General Discussion to gain a deeper understanding of what the Convention means for children and their rights, focusing on specific articles or topics. In September 2021, the Committee Day of General Discussion will hold the next Day of General Discussion about ‘children in alternative care’.
What is alternative care?
Alternative care is when children and young people do not live with their parents and are in the care of relatives or other adults who are not their family members.
Children, young people and experts from all over the world are invited to share their experience of alternative care or the child protection system with the Committee. This way we can improve governments’ support for every child and young person to have the loving care and protection that they need.
You are welcome to share your ideas on what works well (or does not) to help children and young people have positive experiences of alternative care or live well with their parents so they do not need alternative care.
You are welcome to share your ideas on what works well (or does not) to help children and young people have positive experiences of alternative care or live well with their parents so they do not need alternative care.
Ready to contribute your views?
