The Convention on the Rights of the Child

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has changed the way children are viewed and treated – i.e., as human beings with a distinct set of rights instead of passive recipients of charity. It recognizes that childhood is a vulnerable time, and that children need special care and protection.

The CRC is the first global set of legally binding rights applicable to all children. It has been ratified almost by every country making it the most widely ratified human rights agreement in history. 

Through its 54 articles, the CRC sets minimum standards for children’s well-being at each stage of their development. It applies to everyone under the age of 18 (the definition of a child), regardless of their gender, origin, religion, disability. 

Optional Protocols to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

The UN General Assembly adopted two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2000 to increase the protection of children from involvement in armed conflicts and from sexual exploitation: Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict and Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography  

Since 2014, a third Optional Protocol on a communications procedure has enabled children to report violations of their rights directly to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which monitors compliance with the CRC.

Georgia is a party to the three Optional Protocols and thus has an obligation to upholds the rights envisaged by the treaties. 

For more information: 
The Convention on the Rights of the Child

Reporting on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Combined fifth and sixth periodic reports submitted by Georgia under article 44 of the Convention, due in 2023

List of issues prior to submission of the combined fifth and sixth periodic reports of Georgia

Concluding observations on the combined fifth and sixth reports of Georgia