Your Rights

What is a Right?

A right is a promise made to people by governments. Rights are supposed to make sure that everybody is treated equally and fairly. Rights are about having the opportunity to be involved, to participate and be included in things that affect us. It is important that your rights are respected but it is also important that you respect other people’s rights.

What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child?

The UNCRC is a list of 54 promises made by governments from almost all countries (except USA and Somalia ) in the UN to children and young people, including the right to education, equal treatment and the right to an opinion. All governments who have signed the UNCRC are supposed to work to make it part of their law.

The UK ratified the UNCRC in 1991 with Merthyr Tydfil ratifiying it in 1998.

The Convention has 54 Articles and underpins all legislations regarding Children and Young People in the UK. Articles 43-54 are about how adults and Government should work together to make sure all children and young people get all their rights!

ARTICLE 1:
Everyone under 18 years of age has all the rights in this convention.

ARTICLE 12:
All Children & Young People have the right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions that affect them & to have their opinions taken into account!

ARTICLE 13:
Children & young people have the right to find out things and say what they think through speaking, writing, making art etc unless it breaks the rights of others!

ARTICLE 15:
Children & Young People have the right to meet together & to join groups & organisations as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights!

ARTICLE 28:
Children & Young People have a right to an education!

ARTICLE 31:
Children & Young People have a right to relax & play & to join in a wide range of activities!

ARTICLE 42:
The Government should make the Convention known to all parents, Children & Young People!

Click Here to read the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – Full Charter.

Remember:

It is important to respect other people’s rights such as those who look after you or who live in the same house. Everyone has responsibilities to try to get along with others, to respect each other’s property and belongings, and to come in at night at a reasonable time and to keep your bedroom tidy!