Convention on the Rights of the Child

Children in Chad have every reason to celebrate the milestones achieved in advancing their rights, protection and well-being. The anniversaries of two major international and regional instruments - the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child - provide an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and renew commitments to ensuring that every child can enjoy their rights.

Convention on the rights of the child. 

Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is a landmark international treaty that recognizes every child as a rights holder. It establishes universal standards for the protection, development, survival and participation of children.

Chad signed the Convention in September 1990 and ratified it on 2 October 1990, committing to uphold its principles and protect the rights of children across the country.

As the world commemorates the Convention’s 37th anniversary in 2026, the milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of translating these commitments into concrete action so that every child in Chad can grow up healthy, safe, protected and with equal opportunities.

Explore the history and content of the Convention on the Rights of the Child here. 

The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, also known as the Children’s Charter, is a key regional instrument dedicated to promoting and protecting children’s rights across Africa.

Its development was agreed upon in 1990 by member states of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union. Adopted on 11 July 1990, the Charter entered into force in 1999.

Complementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter addresses the specific realities, cultural values and challenges affecting children across the continent. It sets out principles and obligations aimed at ensuring their survival, development, protection and participation, while recognizing the particular circumstances of the African child.

In 2026, the Charter marks its 36th anniversary of adoption. This milestone offers an opportunity to reaffirm the collective responsibility of governments, communities, families and partners to uphold children’s rights and build a future in which every child in Chad can thrive.