The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international agreement between nearly every country around the world. The UNCRC has been in place since 1989, and gives children and youth all around the world more than 40 major human rights. Canada was one of the countries that signed the UNCRC and agreed to protect and promote the rights of all children and youth under age 18.
Everyone under 18 has these rights. Rights are what you should have or be able to do so you will be safe from harm and be able to grow to your full potential. You were born with these rights and no one can take them away.
Adults have the responsibility to protect youth rights and do what is best for you. You can learn about your rights and the rights of others, which will help you make positive choices in your life.
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You have the special rights listed here until you are 18.2
You have these rights, no matter who you are, what you look like, where you live, what you think or say, what abilities you have, or any other reason.3
Whenever adults make decisions or do things that affect you, they must always think about what is best for you.4
The government must do everything it can to make sure you can enjoy all your rights.5
Your family has rights and responsibilities to guide your development and help you know about your rights.6
You have the right to be alive. The government must make sure that you can survive and develop in the best possible way.7
You have the right to a name and to belong to a country. You also have the right to know and to be cared for by your parents.8
You have the right to your own identity, and it should never be taken away from you.9
You have the right to see and live with your parent(s), unless it is unsafe for you.10
If you live in a different country than your parents, you have the right to see them or get back together with them.11
You have the right not to be taken out of the country illegally.12
You have the right to share your opinions freely. Adults should listen and take you seriously.13
You have the right to learn about stuff and share your thoughts and feelings in any way, unless it harms other people.14
You have the right to choose your own thoughts, beliefs, and religion – with your parents’ guidance – as long as other people aren’t harmed.15
You have the right to choose your own friends and to join or set up groups, as long as this doesn’t harm other people.16
You have the right to privacy. Any interference with this right must be reasonable and lawful.17
You have the right to get information from many different places and in a way that you can understand. You also have the right to be protected from information that could harm you.18
You have the right to be raised by both parents, if possible, and the government must help them by providing support and services.19
You have the right to be protected from harm and poor treatment.20
If you can’t live with your family, you have the right to be well looked after by people who respect your culture, language, and other aspects of your life.21
If you’re adopted or in foster care, you have the right to protection and the best care possible.22
If you’re forced to leave your country because you’re not safe there, you have the right to help and special protection (refugee status), as well as the same rights as children born in Canada.23
If you live with a disability, you have the right to special care, education, and treatment so that you can enjoy the best possible life.24
You have the right to the best possible physical and mental health. The government must do everything it can to provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, a clean environment, and information to help you stay safe and healthy.25
If you live away from home, you have the right to regular check ins to make sure you are being well cared for and are still in the best place.26
If your family doesn’t have everything they need, you have the right to get extra money and help from the government.27
You have the right to have your basic needs met, which means having access to essential things like nutritious food, clothing, and a safe place to live.28
You have the right to access a good education.29
You have the right to an education that helps you reach your full potential. It should develop your personality and respect for others, the environment, and your own and other cultures.30
You have the right to speak your own language and to follow your family’s way of life. If you belong to an Indigenous or other minority group, this right has special protection.31
You have the right to be protected from things that could harm your well-being and development.32
You have the right to be protected from work that could harm you, your health, or your education. If you are old enough to work, you have the right to safety and fair pay.33
You have the right to be protected from drug-related harms.34
You have the right to be protected from sexual abuse and exploitation (being taken advantage of).35
You have the right to be protected from being taken or sold (human trafficking).36
You have the right to be protected from things that could harm your well-being and development.37
You have the right to be protected from treatment and punishment that is cruel or hurtful, even if you’re in the justice system.38
You have the right to protection and freedom from war. If you’re under 15, you can’t be forced to join an army or take part in war.39
You have the right to special help if you’ve been harmed in any way.40
You have the right to fair treatment and legal help in the justice system.41
The rights sets here are a minimum. If there are laws that offer you better protection where you live, those come first.42
You have the right to know your rights. Adults should know and help you learn about them too.This text is not an official version of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. You can see the official version at www.unicef.org/crc.