Growing up with child rights

How does the Convention for the Rights of the Child affect a child’s life? What does it mean to have your rights met…or denied?

At every stage of children’s lives they have rights. In their early life, their rights to survival, to food, to an identity are very important. But when they reach school age, their right to an education becomes more and more critical. Finally, when they reach their teens, their rights to protection take on increased importance as they become more independent and engaged with the world around them.

See what it really means to a child’s life when basic rights are taken away – rights to school, to protection from violence, to survival. Here are some stories of young people around the world, told though short films.

Ages: 0-5 – Early Childhood
A good start to life includes a nurturing, safe and healthy environment that enables a child to survive and thrive; physically, emotionally, mentally and socially. This includes ensuring that all children have access to services and are registered at birth.

Ages: 6-11 – Childhood
All children have the right to a good-quality basic education in a supportive environment where they can achieve their full potential.  Children also have a right to access information.

Ages: 12- 14 - Adolescence
All children have a right to protection from violence, harm and exploitation. Children have the right to live a life without the fear of being harmed physically and or emotionally.

Ages: 15-17 – Late Adolescence
Children have the right to develop their individual skills and abilities in an empowering environment where they can participate and contribute in the family, the school, the community and society.