Rights Respecting School

Everyone under the age of 18 has all the rights in the Convention.

All children have these rights, no matter what their age, gender, religion, disability, culture or nationality is.

All adults should do what is best for children. Adults should think about how their actions affect children.

The government has a responsibility to make sure all children’s rights are protected.

The government must respect parents’ rights to direct and guide their children as they grow up so they can enjoy their rights properly.

Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can to make sure children survive and develop to their full potential. 

Every child has the right to a legal name and nationality, as well as the right to know, and if possible, be cared for by their parents.

Children have the right to an identity. Governments must respect children’s rights to a name, nationality and family ties.

Children have the right to live with their parents and should not be separated from them unless it’s in the best interests of the child.

If a child’s parents live in a different country, they have the right to be together in the same place.

Every child has the right to be protected from kidnapping or being taken out of their country illegally.

Children have the right to give their opinion and their views must be taken seriously.

Children have the right to find out information and share what they think by writing, drawing or talking about it unless it harms anyone else.

Every child has the right to choose their own religion and beliefs. Parents should help decide what is right and wrong or best for the child.

Children have the right to choose their own friends or set up and join groups, as long as it isn’t harmful to others.

Every child has the right to privacy. The law should protect a child’s private, family and home life.

Every child has the right to reliable information from books, newspapers, computers and other sources, as long as it isn’t harmful.

Every child has the right to be brought up by both parents if possible, and if it is in the child’s best interest.

Children have the right to be protected from being hurt or mistreated by anyone. Governments must do all they can to prevent this from happening.

Children have the right to be looked after by people that care, if they cannot be looked after by their parents.

Children have the right to be kept safe and protected if they are adopted or in foster care.

Children who are refugees have the same rights as all other children.

Children with disabilities have the right to live a full life and receive support from the government.

Every child has the right to the best possible health. This includes clean water, nutritious food, a clean environment and health care.

If a child lives away from home, they have the right to be checked on to see how they are being looked after.

Every child has the right to help from the government if their family is poor or in need.

Every child has the right to have their basic needs met. That includes food, clothing and a safe place to sleep.

Every child has the right to an education. Schools must respect children’s dignity.

Every child’s education must develop their talents and abilities. It must encourage respect for rights, parents, cultures and the environment.

Every child has the right to practise their own culture, language or religion, or any that they choose.

Every child has the right to play, relax and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

Children have the right to be protected from work that is harmful or affects their education.

Every child must be protected from the use of illegal and harmful drugs. Governments must protect all children.

Every child has the right to privacy of their body. Governments must protect all children.

Children must not be abducted or sold. Governments must protect all children.

Every child must be protected against any form of bad treatment. Children must never be taken advantage of.

Children who break the law must not be treated cruelly or put in prison with adults. They should be allowed to keep in contact with their family. 

Every child has the right to protection and freedom from war. Children under the age of 15 must not take part in war or join an army.

Every child has the right to help and support if they have been treated badly in any form.

Children who break the law must be treated with dignity and respect. They have the right to a lawyer and have their privacy respected.

If the laws in a country are better for children than the rights in this Convention, then those laws apply for all children.

Every child must know their rights. It is the government’s responsibility to make them known to both children and adults.