UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that recognises children as rights-holders rather than merely objects of care. Adopted in 1989, it generally defines a child as every person below 18 years, unless majority is attained earlier under applicable law.

Scope and approach

The Convention treats civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as interconnected. Its four general principles guide the interpretation and implementation of all the rights contained in the Convention.

• States parties must take appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures to implement Convention rights under Article 4.
• For economic, social and cultural rights, states must act to the maximum extent of their available resources and, where needed, through international cooperation.

Four general principles

• Non-discrimination, Article 2: Every child must enjoy Convention rights without discrimination based on the status of the child, parents or legal guardians.
• Best interests of the child, Article 3: In all actions concerning children, their best interests must be a primary consideration.
• Life, survival and development, Article 6: Every child has an inherent right to life, and states must ensure survival and development to the maximum extent possible.
• Respect for the child's views, Article 12: A child capable of forming views has the right to express them freely, with due weight given according to age and maturity.

Meaning for child protection

These principles require child-related laws, policies, courts, welfare institutions and administrative decisions to be inclusive, child-centred and attentive to children's agency. Participation does not make the child's view automatically decisive; it requires meaningful hearing while the best-interests standard remains a primary consideration.