Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. It sets forth a wide range of provisions that encompass civil rights and freedoms, family environment, basic health and welfare, education, leisure and cultural activities and special protection measures.
The Convention has several "foundation principles" that underpin all other children's rights. These include: non-discrimination; best interests of the child; right to survival and development; and views of the child.
- Non-discrimination means that all children have the same right to develop their potential -- all children, in all situations, all of the time, everywhere
- The best interests of the child must be "a primary consideration" in all actions and decisions concerning her or him, and must be used to resolve confusion between different rights
- The right to survival and development underscores the vital importance of ensuring access to basic services and to equity of opportunity for children to achieve their full development
- The views of the child means that the voice of children must be heard and respected in all matters concerning their rights
Countries must promote children's active, free and meaningful participation in decision-making that affects them.
UNICEF Ireland, in partnership with the Children’s Rights Alliance and the Office of the Minister for Children, are currently developing a new child friendly version of the UNCRC.