Article 12

Child Rights

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities.

The four principles of the Convention of the Right of the Child

Non-Discrimination

One of these principles is that all children should enjoy their rights and they should never be subjected to any type of discrimination. There is an obligation to provide equality of opportunities among children.

All actions concerning the child shall take full account of their best interests. The State shall provide the child with adequate care when parents, or those charged with parental responsibility, fail to do so.

Best Interests of the Child

Children are vulnerable, especially when they are very young, and need special support to be able to enjoy their rights fully. They should be granted equal rights as well as having the necessary protection at the same time.

Laws and actions affecting children should put their interests first and should benefit them in the best way possible.

The Right to Survival and Development

Authorities in each country have the responsibility to protect children and help ensure their full development - physically, spiritually, culturally, and socially.

Children have the right to life and the most basic needs that come with it. This includes things such as nutrition, shelter, an adequate living standard, as well as acess to medical services.

Participation

A crucial aspect of the convention is about respecting the views of the child. In order to know what is actually in the interest of the child, it is logical to listen to them.

Children have a right to have their say in decisions that affect them and to have their opinions taken into account. They also have the right to join associations and assemble peacefully.

Article 12

Freedom of Opinion

1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

2. For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.