The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

History

In 1979, the country of Poland presented a document to the United Nations' General Assembly. Poland wanted to create a document to better protect children around the world. Ten years later, after much work, the General Assembly passed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989. The CRC is the first document that is specifically designed to protect children and that gives them certain rights. It was so popular that the CRC became the fastest approved document ever. Today, only two countries have not signed the CRC - Somalia and the United States.

What Are Your Rights?

You have the right to a name. (Article 7).

My name is Gulliver the Globe. What is your name?

You have the right to be loved and cared for. (Articles 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21).

You can be cared for by your family, relatives, friends, or anyone approved to be your guardian.

This is me with my family and friends.

You have the right to be healthy and go to the doctor when you are sick. (Article 24).

I don't like being sick. When I am sick I drink tea with honey and lemon and stay in bed.

You have the right to learn and go to school. (Article 28).

What do you like to study? I like geography and soccer. My hardest subject is French. It is a very difficult language to learn. ** Did you know there are lots of kids who are not able to go to school? To learn more about them, click here.

You have the right to play. (Article 31).

My favorite game is hide and seek. Do you want to play? We can play right now.

Did you know that you had so many rights?

© copyright - Youth Advocate Program International 2003-04
Last updated 7/8/2004