A future for every child
These rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. It guarantees essential protections, from access to clean water and education to freedom from violence and exploitation.
UNICEF is committed to upholding these rights. As the only organization named in the Convention, we work alongside governments, communities, and children themselves to turn these promises into action.
What are child rights?
Child rights are the basic things every child needs to grow up safe, healthy, and free. These rights are not optional or earned, they belong to every child, simply because they are children.
They are set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the global agreement adopted by almost every country in the world. It explains how children should be treated and protected, and what governments must do to support them.
Child rights cover every part of a child’s life. That includes:
The right to survive and be healthy, with access to clean water, food, and healthcare.
The right to learn, through quality education.
The right to be protected from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
The right to be heard, and to have a say in decisions that affect their lives.
The right to play, to be safe, and to feel supported in their communities.
When these rights are respected, children can thrive. When they are denied, it puts children at risk and holds back entire societies. Upholding child rights is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do for a better future.
Sustainable development
The SDGs are a set of 17 goals that cover topics such as quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, economic growth, life on land, and more. They are part of a global effort to leave no one behind.
UNICEF works with governments, civil society, and partners to ensure that the SDGs are achieved in each country. This includes providing technical support for project implementation, coordinating activities with other partners, and advocating for policy change.
To learn more about UNICEF’s efforts to support the SDGs, please download our report today.
Could you take a stand globally for children’s rights?
And group member, and Youth Advocate Beth Doherty, represented them and delivered the report in person to the Committee at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva!
Could you be the next youth advocate for children on the world stage?
Children uprooted
Children Uprooted is a UNICEF campaign centred around children living in Ireland who are refugees and migrants.
This campaign has lessons for students to raise awareness of children’s rights and experiences of children who have been uprooted from their homes, families and cultures.
Child participation case studies
UNICEF commissioned a collection of case studies illustrating good practices in child and youth participation in decision-making at international, local and organisational levels.
The aim is to provide illustrative examples to organisations wishing to involve children and young people in decision-making in Ireland.