Gotonavigation|Gotocontent

English|Franais|Espaol|||

WHATAREHUMANRIGHTS?

HOME

ABOUTUS

ISSUES

HUMANRIGHTS
BYCOUNTRY

WHEREWE
WORK

HUMANRIGHTS
BODIES

DONATE

NEWSAND
EVENTS

PUBLICATIONSAND
RESOURCES

English>ProfessionalInterest>ConventionontheRightsoftheChild

TextinPDFFormat

ConventionontheRightsoftheChild
Adoptedandopenedforsignature,ratificationandaccessionbyGeneralAssemblyresolution
44/25of20November1989
entryintoforce2September1990,inaccordancewitharticle49
Preamble

Relatedinformation
CommitteeontheRights
oftheChild(CRC)
Statusofratification,
Reservationsand
declarations

Seealso

TheStatesPartiestothepresentConvention,

Thecoreinternational
humanrightsinstruments

Consideringthat,inaccordancewiththeprinciplesproclaimedintheCharteroftheUnitedNations,recognitionof
theinherentdignityandoftheequalandinalienablerightsofallmembersofthehumanfamilyisthefoundation
offreedom,justiceandpeaceintheworld,

Universalhumanrights
instruments

BearinginmindthatthepeoplesoftheUnitedNationshave,intheCharter,reaffirmedtheirfaithinfundamental
humanrightsandinthedignityandworthofthehumanperson,andhavedeterminedtopromotesocial
progressandbetterstandardsoflifeinlargerfreedom,
RecognizingthattheUnitedNationshas,intheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsandintheInternational
CovenantsonHumanRights,proclaimedandagreedthateveryoneisentitledtoalltherightsandfreedomsset
forththerein,withoutdistinctionofanykind,suchasrace,colour,sex,language,religion,politicalorother
opinion,nationalorsocialorigin,property,birthorotherstatus,
Recallingthat,intheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,theUnitedNationshasproclaimedthatchildhoodis
entitledtospecialcareandassistance,
Convincedthatthefamily,asthefundamentalgroupofsocietyandthenaturalenvironmentforthegrowthand
wellbeingofallitsmembersandparticularlychildren,shouldbeaffordedthenecessaryprotectionand
assistancesothatitcanfullyassumeitsresponsibilitieswithinthecommunity,
Recognizingthatthechild,forthefullandharmoniousdevelopmentofhisorherpersonality,shouldgrowupina
familyenvironment,inanatmosphereofhappiness,loveandunderstanding,
Consideringthatthechildshouldbefullypreparedtoliveanindividuallifeinsociety,andbroughtupinthespirit
oftheidealsproclaimedintheCharteroftheUnitedNations,andinparticularinthespiritofpeace,dignity,
tolerance,freedom,equalityandsolidarity,
BearinginmindthattheneedtoextendparticularcaretothechildhasbeenstatedintheGenevaDeclarationof
theRightsoftheChildof1924andintheDeclarationoftheRightsoftheChildadoptedbytheGeneralAssembly
on20November1959andrecognizedintheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,intheInternational
CovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights(inparticularinarticles23and24),intheInternationalCovenanton
Economic,SocialandCulturalRights(inparticularinarticle10)andinthestatutesandrelevantinstrumentsof
specializedagenciesandinternationalorganizationsconcernedwiththewelfareofchildren,
Bearinginmindthat,asindicatedintheDeclarationoftheRightsoftheChild,"thechild,byreasonofhis
physicalandmentalimmaturity,needsspecialsafeguardsandcare,includingappropriatelegalprotection,
beforeaswellasafterbirth",
RecallingtheprovisionsoftheDeclarationonSocialandLegalPrinciplesrelatingtotheProtectionandWelfareof
Children,withSpecialReferencetoFosterPlacementandAdoptionNationallyandInternationallytheUnited

CharteroftheUnited
Nations
TheInternationalBillof
HumanRights
UniversalDeclarationof
HumanRights1948

Links
Humanrights
conferences
Humanrightsbodies
Publications
The20thAnniversaryof
theOHCHR
VDPAbooklet(20th
anniversaryedition
PDF)

NationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(TheBeijingRules)andthe
DeclarationontheProtectionofWomenandChildreninEmergencyandArmedConflict,Recognizingthat,inall
countriesintheworld,therearechildrenlivinginexceptionallydifficultconditions,andthatsuchchildrenneed
specialconsideration,
Takingdueaccountoftheimportanceofthetraditionsandculturalvaluesofeachpeoplefortheprotectionand
harmoniousdevelopmentofthechild,Recognizingtheimportanceofinternationalcooperationforimprovingthe
livingconditionsofchildrenineverycountry,inparticularinthedevelopingcountries,
Haveagreedasfollows:
PARTI
Article1
ForthepurposesofthepresentConvention,achildmeanseveryhumanbeingbelowtheageofeighteenyears
unlessunderthelawapplicabletothechild,majorityisattainedearlier.
Article2
1.StatesPartiesshallrespectandensuretherightssetforthinthepresentConventiontoeachchildwithintheir
jurisdictionwithoutdiscriminationofanykind,irrespectiveofthechild'sorhisorherparent'sorlegalguardian's
race,colour,sex,language,religion,politicalorotheropinion,national,ethnicorsocialorigin,property,
disability,birthorotherstatus.
2.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethatthechildisprotectedagainstallformsof
discriminationorpunishmentonthebasisofthestatus,activities,expressedopinions,orbeliefsofthechild's
parents,legalguardians,orfamilymembers.
Article3
1.Inallactionsconcerningchildren,whetherundertakenbypublicorprivatesocialwelfareinstitutions,courtsof
law,administrativeauthoritiesorlegislativebodies,thebestinterestsofthechildshallbeaprimary
consideration.
2.StatesPartiesundertaketoensurethechildsuchprotectionandcareasisnecessaryforhisorherwellbeing,
takingintoaccounttherightsanddutiesofhisorherparents,legalguardians,orotherindividualslegally
responsibleforhimorher,and,tothisend,shalltakeallappropriatelegislativeandadministrativemeasures.
3.StatesPartiesshallensurethattheinstitutions,servicesandfacilitiesresponsibleforthecareorprotectionof
childrenshallconformwiththestandardsestablishedbycompetentauthorities,particularlyintheareasof
safety,health,inthenumberandsuitabilityoftheirstaff,aswellascompetentsupervision.
Article4
StatesPartiesshallundertakeallappropriatelegislative,administrative,andothermeasuresforthe
implementationoftherightsrecognizedinthepresentConvention.Withregardtoeconomic,socialandcultural
rights,StatesPartiesshallundertakesuchmeasurestothemaximumextentoftheiravailableresourcesand,
whereneeded,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation.
Article5
StatesPartiesshallrespecttheresponsibilities,rightsanddutiesofparentsor,whereapplicable,themembersof
theextendedfamilyorcommunityasprovidedforbylocalcustom,legalguardiansorotherpersonslegally
responsibleforthechild,toprovide,inamannerconsistentwiththeevolvingcapacitiesofthechild,appropriate
directionandguidanceintheexercisebythechildoftherightsrecognizedinthepresentConvention.
Article6
1.StatesPartiesrecognizethateverychildhastheinherentrighttolife.
2.StatesPartiesshallensuretothemaximumextentpossiblethesurvivalanddevelopmentofthechild.
Article7
1.Thechildshallberegisteredimmediatelyafterbirthandshallhavetherightfrombirthtoaname,therightto
acquireanationalityand.asfaraspossible,therighttoknowandbecaredforbyhisorherparents.
2.StatesPartiesshallensuretheimplementationoftheserightsinaccordancewiththeirnationallawandtheir
obligationsundertherelevantinternationalinstrumentsinthisfield,inparticularwherethechildwould
otherwisebestateless.
Article8

1.StatesPartiesundertaketorespecttherightofthechildtopreservehisorheridentity,includingnationality,
nameandfamilyrelationsasrecognizedbylawwithoutunlawfulinterference.
2.Whereachildisillegallydeprivedofsomeoralloftheelementsofhisorheridentity,StatesPartiesshall
provideappropriateassistanceandprotection,withaviewtoreestablishingspeedilyhisorheridentity.
Article9
1.StatesPartiesshallensurethatachildshallnotbeseparatedfromhisorherparentsagainsttheirwill,except
whencompetentauthoritiessubjecttojudicialreviewdetermine,inaccordancewithapplicablelawand
procedures,thatsuchseparationisnecessaryforthebestinterestsofthechild.Suchdeterminationmaybe
necessaryinaparticularcasesuchasoneinvolvingabuseorneglectofthechildbytheparents,oronewhere
theparentsarelivingseparatelyandadecisionmustbemadeastothechild'splaceofresidence.
2.Inanyproceedingspursuanttoparagraph1ofthepresentarticle,allinterestedpartiesshallbegivenan
opportunitytoparticipateintheproceedingsandmaketheirviewsknown.
3.StatesPartiesshallrespecttherightofthechildwhoisseparatedfromoneorbothparentstomaintain
personalrelationsanddirectcontactwithbothparentsonaregularbasis,exceptifitiscontrarytothechild's
bestinterests.
4.WheresuchseparationresultsfromanyactioninitiatedbyaStateParty,suchasthedetention,
imprisonment,exile,deportationordeath(includingdeatharisingfromanycausewhilethepersonisinthe
custodyoftheState)ofoneorbothparentsorofthechild,thatStatePartyshall,uponrequest,providethe
parents,thechildor,ifappropriate,anothermemberofthefamilywiththeessentialinformationconcerningthe
whereaboutsoftheabsentmember(s)ofthefamilyunlesstheprovisionoftheinformationwouldbedetrimental
tothewellbeingofthechild.StatesPartiesshallfurtherensurethatthesubmissionofsucharequestshallof
itselfentailnoadverseconsequencesfortheperson(s)concerned.
Article10
1.InaccordancewiththeobligationofStatesPartiesunderarticle9,paragraph1,applicationsbyachildorhis
orherparentstoenterorleaveaStatePartyforthepurposeoffamilyreunificationshallbedealtwithbyStates
Partiesinapositive,humaneandexpeditiousmanner.StatesPartiesshallfurtherensurethatthesubmissionof
sucharequestshallentailnoadverseconsequencesfortheapplicantsandforthemembersoftheirfamily.
2.AchildwhoseparentsresideindifferentStatesshallhavetherighttomaintainonaregularbasis,savein
exceptionalcircumstancespersonalrelationsanddirectcontactswithbothparents.Towardsthatendandin
accordancewiththeobligationofStatesPartiesunderarticle9,paragraph1,StatesPartiesshallrespectthe
rightofthechildandhisorherparentstoleaveanycountry,includingtheirown,andtoentertheirown
country.Therighttoleaveanycountryshallbesubjectonlytosuchrestrictionsasareprescribedbylawand
whicharenecessarytoprotectthenationalsecurity,publicorder(ordrepublic),publichealthormoralsorthe
rightsandfreedomsofothersandareconsistentwiththeotherrightsrecognizedinthepresentConvention.
Article11
1.StatesPartiesshalltakemeasurestocombattheillicittransferandnonreturnofchildrenabroad.
2.Tothisend,StatesPartiesshallpromotetheconclusionofbilateralormultilateralagreementsoraccessionto
existingagreements.
Article12
1.StatesPartiesshallassuretothechildwhoiscapableofforminghisorherownviewstherighttoexpress
thoseviewsfreelyinallmattersaffectingthechild,theviewsofthechildbeinggivendueweightinaccordance
withtheageandmaturityofthechild.
2.Forthispurpose,thechildshallinparticularbeprovidedtheopportunitytobeheardinanyjudicialand
administrativeproceedingsaffectingthechild,eitherdirectly,orthrougharepresentativeoranappropriate
body,inamannerconsistentwiththeproceduralrulesofnationallaw.
Article13
1.Thechildshallhavetherighttofreedomofexpressionthisrightshallincludefreedomtoseek,receiveand
impartinformationandideasofallkinds,regardlessoffrontiers,eitherorally,inwritingorinprint,intheform
ofart,orthroughanyothermediaofthechild'schoice.
2.Theexerciseofthisrightmaybesubjecttocertainrestrictions,buttheseshallonlybesuchasareprovided
bylawandarenecessary:
(a)Forrespectoftherightsorreputationsofothersor
(b)Fortheprotectionofnationalsecurityorofpublicorder(ordrepublic),orofpublichealthormorals.

Article14
1.StatesPartiesshallrespecttherightofthechildtofreedomofthought,conscienceandreligion.
2.StatesPartiesshallrespecttherightsanddutiesoftheparentsand,whenapplicable,legalguardians,to
providedirectiontothechildintheexerciseofhisorherrightinamannerconsistentwiththeevolving
capacitiesofthechild.
3.Freedomtomanifestone'sreligionorbeliefsmaybesubjectonlytosuchlimitationsasareprescribedbylaw
andarenecessarytoprotectpublicsafety,order,healthormorals,orthefundamentalrightsandfreedomsof
others.
Article15
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightsofthechildtofreedomofassociationandtofreedomofpeacefulassembly.
2.Norestrictionsmaybeplacedontheexerciseoftheserightsotherthanthoseimposedinconformitywiththe
lawandwhicharenecessaryinademocraticsocietyintheinterestsofnationalsecurityorpublicsafety,public
order(ordrepublic),theprotectionofpublichealthormoralsortheprotectionoftherightsandfreedomsof
others.
Article16
1.Nochildshallbesubjectedtoarbitraryorunlawfulinterferencewithhisorherprivacy,family,or
correspondence,nortounlawfulattacksonhisorherhonourandreputation.
2.Thechildhastherighttotheprotectionofthelawagainstsuchinterferenceorattacks.
Article17
StatesPartiesrecognizetheimportantfunctionperformedbythemassmediaandshallensurethatthechildhas
accesstoinformationandmaterialfromadiversityofnationalandinternationalsources,especiallythoseaimed
atthepromotionofhisorhersocial,spiritualandmoralwellbeingandphysicalandmentalhealth.
Tothisend,StatesPartiesshall:
(a)Encouragethemassmediatodisseminateinformationandmaterialofsocialandculturalbenefittothechild
andinaccordancewiththespiritofarticle29
(b)Encourageinternationalcooperationintheproduction,exchangeanddisseminationofsuchinformationand
materialfromadiversityofcultural,nationalandinternationalsources
(c)Encouragetheproductionanddisseminationofchildren'sbooks
(d)Encouragethemassmediatohaveparticularregardtothelinguisticneedsofthechildwhobelongstoa
minoritygrouporwhoisindigenous
(e)Encouragethedevelopmentofappropriateguidelinesfortheprotectionofthechildfrominformationand
materialinjurioustohisorherwellbeing,bearinginmindtheprovisionsofarticles13and18.
Article18
1.StatesPartiesshallusetheirbesteffortstoensurerecognitionoftheprinciplethatbothparentshavecommon
responsibilitiesfortheupbringinganddevelopmentofthechild.Parentsor,asthecasemaybe,legalguardians,
havetheprimaryresponsibilityfortheupbringinganddevelopmentofthechild.Thebestinterestsofthechild
willbetheirbasicconcern.
2.ForthepurposeofguaranteeingandpromotingtherightssetforthinthepresentConvention,StatesParties
shallrenderappropriateassistancetoparentsandlegalguardiansintheperformanceoftheirchildrearing
responsibilitiesandshallensurethedevelopmentofinstitutions,facilitiesandservicesforthecareofchildren.
3.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethatchildrenofworkingparentshavetherightto
benefitfromchildcareservicesandfacilitiesforwhichtheyareeligible.
Article19
1.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatelegislative,administrative,socialandeducationalmeasurestoprotect
thechildfromallformsofphysicalormentalviolence,injuryorabuse,neglectornegligenttreatment,
maltreatmentorexploitation,includingsexualabuse,whileinthecareofparent(s),legalguardian(s)orany
otherpersonwhohasthecareofthechild.
2.Suchprotectivemeasuresshould,asappropriate,includeeffectiveproceduresfortheestablishmentofsocial
programmestoprovidenecessarysupportforthechildandforthosewhohavethecareofthechild,aswellas

forotherformsofpreventionandforidentification,reporting,referral,investigation,treatmentandfollowupof
instancesofchildmaltreatmentdescribedheretofore,and,asappropriate,forjudicialinvolvement.
Article20
1.Achildtemporarilyorpermanentlydeprivedofhisorherfamilyenvironment,orinwhoseownbestinterests
cannotbeallowedtoremaininthatenvironment,shallbeentitledtospecialprotectionandassistanceprovided
bytheState.
2.StatesPartiesshallinaccordancewiththeirnationallawsensurealternativecareforsuchachild.
3.Suchcarecouldinclude,interalia,fosterplacement,kafalahofIslamiclaw,adoptionorifnecessary
placementinsuitableinstitutionsforthecareofchildren.Whenconsideringsolutions,dueregardshallbepaidto
thedesirabilityofcontinuityinachild'supbringingandtothechild'sethnic,religious,culturalandlinguistic
background.
Article21
StatesPartiesthatrecognizeand/orpermitthesystemofadoptionshallensurethatthebestinterestsofthe
childshallbetheparamountconsiderationandtheyshall:
(a)Ensurethattheadoptionofachildisauthorizedonlybycompetentauthoritieswhodetermine,inaccordance
withapplicablelawandproceduresandonthebasisofallpertinentandreliableinformation,thattheadoptionis
permissibleinviewofthechild'sstatusconcerningparents,relativesandlegalguardiansandthat,ifrequired,
thepersonsconcernedhavegiventheirinformedconsenttotheadoptiononthebasisofsuchcounsellingas
maybenecessary
(b)Recognizethatintercountryadoptionmaybeconsideredasanalternativemeansofchild'scare,ifthechild
cannotbeplacedinafosteroranadoptivefamilyorcannotinanysuitablemannerbecaredforinthechild's
countryoforigin
(c)Ensurethatthechildconcernedbyintercountryadoptionenjoyssafeguardsandstandardsequivalentto
thoseexistinginthecaseofnationaladoption
(d)Takeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethat,inintercountryadoption,theplacementdoesnotresultin
improperfinancialgainforthoseinvolvedinit
(e)Promote,whereappropriate,theobjectivesofthepresentarticlebyconcludingbilateralormultilateral
arrangementsoragreements,andendeavour,withinthisframework,toensurethattheplacementofthechildin
anothercountryiscarriedoutbycompetentauthoritiesororgans.
Article22
1.StatesPartiesshalltakeappropriatemeasurestoensurethatachildwhoisseekingrefugeestatusorwhois
consideredarefugeeinaccordancewithapplicableinternationalordomesticlawandproceduresshall,whether
unaccompaniedoraccompaniedbyhisorherparentsorbyanyotherperson,receiveappropriateprotectionand
humanitarianassistanceintheenjoymentofapplicablerightssetforthinthepresentConventionandinother
internationalhumanrightsorhumanitarianinstrumentstowhichthesaidStatesareParties.
2.Forthispurpose,StatesPartiesshallprovide,astheyconsiderappropriate,cooperationinanyeffortsbythe
UnitedNationsandothercompetentintergovernmentalorganizationsornongovernmentalorganizationsco
operatingwiththeUnitedNationstoprotectandassistsuchachildandtotracetheparentsorothermembersof
thefamilyofanyrefugeechildinordertoobtaininformationnecessaryforreunificationwithhisorherfamily.In
caseswherenoparentsorothermembersofthefamilycanbefound,thechildshallbeaccordedthesame
protectionasanyotherchildpermanentlyortemporarilydeprivedofhisorherfamilyenvironmentforany
reason,assetforthinthepresentConvention.
Article23
1.StatesPartiesrecognizethatamentallyorphysicallydisabledchildshouldenjoyafullanddecentlife,in
conditionswhichensuredignity,promoteselfrelianceandfacilitatethechild'sactiveparticipationinthe
community.
2.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofthedisabledchildtospecialcareandshallencourageandensurethe
extension,subjecttoavailableresources,totheeligiblechildandthoseresponsibleforhisorhercare,of
assistanceforwhichapplicationismadeandwhichisappropriatetothechild'sconditionandtothe
circumstancesoftheparentsorotherscaringforthechild.
3.Recognizingthespecialneedsofadisabledchild,assistanceextendedinaccordancewithparagraph2ofthe
presentarticleshallbeprovidedfreeofcharge,wheneverpossible,takingintoaccountthefinancialresourcesof
theparentsorotherscaringforthechild,andshallbedesignedtoensurethatthedisabledchildhaseffective
accesstoandreceiveseducation,training,healthcareservices,rehabilitationservices,preparationfor

employmentandrecreationopportunitiesinamannerconducivetothechild'sachievingthefullestpossible
socialintegrationandindividualdevelopment,includinghisorherculturalandspiritualdevelopment
4.StatesPartiesshallpromote,inthespiritofinternationalcooperation,theexchangeofappropriateinformation
inthefieldofpreventivehealthcareandofmedical,psychologicalandfunctionaltreatmentofdisabledchildren,
includingdisseminationofandaccesstoinformationconcerningmethodsofrehabilitation,educationand
vocationalservices,withtheaimofenablingStatesPartiestoimprovetheircapabilitiesandskillsandtowiden
theirexperienceintheseareas.Inthisregard,particularaccountshallbetakenoftheneedsofdeveloping
countries.
Article24
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofthechildtotheenjoymentofthehighestattainablestandardofhealth
andtofacilitiesforthetreatmentofillnessandrehabilitationofhealth.StatesPartiesshallstrivetoensurethat
nochildisdeprivedofhisorherrightofaccesstosuchhealthcareservices.
2.StatesPartiesshallpursuefullimplementationofthisrightand,inparticular,shalltakeappropriatemeasures:
(a)Todiminishinfantandchildmortality
(b)Toensuretheprovisionofnecessarymedicalassistanceandhealthcaretoallchildrenwithemphasisonthe
developmentofprimaryhealthcare
(c)Tocombatdiseaseandmalnutrition,includingwithintheframeworkofprimaryhealthcare,through,inter
alia,theapplicationofreadilyavailabletechnologyandthroughtheprovisionofadequatenutritiousfoodsand
cleandrinkingwater,takingintoconsiderationthedangersandrisksofenvironmentalpollution
(d)Toensureappropriateprenatalandpostnatalhealthcareformothers
(e)Toensurethatallsegmentsofsociety,inparticularparentsandchildren,areinformed,haveaccessto
educationandaresupportedintheuseofbasicknowledgeofchildhealthandnutrition,theadvantagesof
breastfeeding,hygieneandenvironmentalsanitationandthepreventionofaccidents
(f)Todeveloppreventivehealthcare,guidanceforparentsandfamilyplanningeducationandservices.
3.StatesPartiesshalltakealleffectiveandappropriatemeasureswithaviewtoabolishingtraditionalpractices
prejudicialtothehealthofchildren.
4.StatesPartiesundertaketopromoteandencourageinternationalcooperationwithaviewtoachieving
progressivelythefullrealizationoftherightrecognizedinthepresentarticle.Inthisregard,particularaccount
shallbetakenoftheneedsofdevelopingcountries.
Article25
StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofachildwhohasbeenplacedbythecompetentauthoritiesforthepurposes
ofcare,protectionortreatmentofhisorherphysicalormentalhealth,toaperiodicreviewofthetreatment
providedtothechildandallothercircumstancesrelevanttohisorherplacement.
Article26
1.StatesPartiesshallrecognizeforeverychildtherighttobenefitfromsocialsecurity,includingsocial
insurance,andshalltakethenecessarymeasurestoachievethefullrealizationofthisrightinaccordancewith
theirnationallaw.
2.Thebenefitsshould,whereappropriate,begranted,takingintoaccounttheresourcesandthecircumstances
ofthechildandpersonshavingresponsibilityforthemaintenanceofthechild,aswellasanyotherconsideration
relevanttoanapplicationforbenefitsmadebyoronbehalfofthechild.
Article27
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofeverychildtoastandardoflivingadequateforthechild'sphysical,
mental,spiritual,moralandsocialdevelopment.
2.Theparent(s)orothersresponsibleforthechildhavetheprimaryresponsibilitytosecure,withintheirabilities
andfinancialcapacities,theconditionsoflivingnecessaryforthechild'sdevelopment.
3.StatesParties,inaccordancewithnationalconditionsandwithintheirmeans,shalltakeappropriatemeasures
toassistparentsandothersresponsibleforthechildtoimplementthisrightandshallincaseofneedprovide
materialassistanceandsupportprogrammes,particularlywithregardtonutrition,clothingandhousing.
4.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestosecuretherecoveryofmaintenanceforthechildfromthe
parentsorotherpersonshavingfinancialresponsibilityforthechild,bothwithintheStatePartyandfrom
abroad.Inparticular,wherethepersonhavingfinancialresponsibilityforthechildlivesinaStatedifferentfrom

thatofthechild,StatesPartiesshallpromotetheaccessiontointernationalagreementsortheconclusionofsuch
agreements,aswellasthemakingofotherappropriatearrangements.
Article28
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofthechildtoeducation,andwithaviewtoachievingthisright
progressivelyandonthebasisofequalopportunity,theyshall,inparticular:
(a)Makeprimaryeducationcompulsoryandavailablefreetoall
(b)Encouragethedevelopmentofdifferentformsofsecondaryeducation,includinggeneralandvocational
education,makethemavailableandaccessibletoeverychild,andtakeappropriatemeasuressuchasthe
introductionoffreeeducationandofferingfinancialassistanceincaseofneed
(c)Makehighereducationaccessibletoallonthebasisofcapacitybyeveryappropriatemeans
(d)Makeeducationalandvocationalinformationandguidanceavailableandaccessibletoallchildren
(e)Takemeasurestoencourageregularattendanceatschoolsandthereductionofdropoutrates.
2.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethatschooldisciplineisadministeredinamanner
consistentwiththechild'shumandignityandinconformitywiththepresentConvention.
3.StatesPartiesshallpromoteandencourageinternationalcooperationinmattersrelatingtoeducation,in
particularwithaviewtocontributingtotheeliminationofignoranceandilliteracythroughouttheworldand
facilitatingaccesstoscientificandtechnicalknowledgeandmodernteachingmethods.Inthisregard,particular
accountshallbetakenoftheneedsofdevelopingcountries.
Article29
1.StatesPartiesagreethattheeducationofthechildshallbedirectedto:
(a)Thedevelopmentofthechild'spersonality,talentsandmentalandphysicalabilitiestotheirfullestpotential
(b)Thedevelopmentofrespectforhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,andfortheprinciplesenshrinedin
theCharteroftheUnitedNations
(c)Thedevelopmentofrespectforthechild'sparents,hisorherownculturalidentity,languageandvalues,for
thenationalvaluesofthecountryinwhichthechildisliving,thecountryfromwhichheorshemayoriginate,
andforcivilizationsdifferentfromhisorherown
(d)Thepreparationofthechildforresponsiblelifeinafreesociety,inthespiritofunderstanding,peace,
tolerance,equalityofsexes,andfriendshipamongallpeoples,ethnic,nationalandreligiousgroupsandpersons
ofindigenousorigin
(e)Thedevelopmentofrespectforthenaturalenvironment.
2.Nopartofthepresentarticleorarticle28shallbeconstruedsoastointerferewiththelibertyofindividuals
andbodiestoestablishanddirecteducationalinstitutions,subjectalwaystotheobservanceoftheprincipleset
forthinparagraph1ofthepresentarticleandtotherequirementsthattheeducationgiveninsuchinstitutions
shallconformtosuchminimumstandardsasmaybelaiddownbytheState.
Article30
InthoseStatesinwhichethnic,religiousorlinguisticminoritiesorpersonsofindigenousoriginexist,achild
belongingtosuchaminorityorwhoisindigenousshallnotbedeniedtheright,incommunitywithother
membersofhisorhergroup,toenjoyhisorherownculture,toprofessandpractisehisorherownreligion,or
tousehisorherownlanguage.
Article31
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofthechildtorestandleisure,toengageinplayandrecreationalactivities
appropriatetotheageofthechildandtoparticipatefreelyinculturallifeandthearts.
2.StatesPartiesshallrespectandpromotetherightofthechildtoparticipatefullyinculturalandartisticlifeand
shallencouragetheprovisionofappropriateandequalopportunitiesforcultural,artistic,recreationalandleisure
activity.
Article32
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofthechildtobeprotectedfromeconomicexploitationandfromperforming
anyworkthatislikelytobehazardousortointerferewiththechild'seducation,ortobeharmfultothechild's
healthorphysical,mental,spiritual,moralorsocialdevelopment.

2.StatesPartiesshalltakelegislative,administrative,socialandeducationalmeasurestoensurethe
implementationofthepresentarticle.Tothisend,andhavingregardtotherelevantprovisionsofother
internationalinstruments,StatesPartiesshallinparticular:
(a)Provideforaminimumageorminimumagesforadmissiontoemployment
(b)Provideforappropriateregulationofthehoursandconditionsofemployment
(c)Provideforappropriatepenaltiesorothersanctionstoensuretheeffectiveenforcementofthepresentarticle.
Article33
StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegislative,administrative,socialandeducational
measures,toprotectchildrenfromtheillicituseofnarcoticdrugsandpsychotropicsubstancesasdefinedinthe
relevantinternationaltreaties,andtopreventtheuseofchildrenintheillicitproductionandtraffickingofsuch
substances.
Article34
StatesPartiesundertaketoprotectthechildfromallformsofsexualexploitationandsexualabuse.Forthese
purposes,StatesPartiesshallinparticulartakeallappropriatenational,bilateralandmultilateralmeasuresto
prevent:
(a)Theinducementorcoercionofachildtoengageinanyunlawfulsexualactivity
(b)Theexploitativeuseofchildreninprostitutionorotherunlawfulsexualpractices
(c)Theexploitativeuseofchildreninpornographicperformancesandmaterials.
Article35
StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatenational,bilateralandmultilateralmeasurestopreventtheabductionof,
thesaleofortrafficinchildrenforanypurposeorinanyform.
Article36
StatesPartiesshallprotectthechildagainstallotherformsofexploitationprejudicialtoanyaspectsofthe
child'swelfare.
Article37
StatesPartiesshallensurethat:
(a)Nochildshallbesubjectedtotortureorothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.Neither
capitalpunishmentnorlifeimprisonmentwithoutpossibilityofreleaseshallbeimposedforoffencescommitted
bypersonsbeloweighteenyearsofage
(b)Nochildshallbedeprivedofhisorherlibertyunlawfullyorarbitrarily.Thearrest,detentionorimprisonment
ofachildshallbeinconformitywiththelawandshallbeusedonlyasameasureoflastresortandforthe
shortestappropriateperiodoftime
(c)Everychilddeprivedoflibertyshallbetreatedwithhumanityandrespectfortheinherentdignityofthe
humanperson,andinamannerwhichtakesintoaccounttheneedsofpersonsofhisorherage.Inparticular,
everychilddeprivedoflibertyshallbeseparatedfromadultsunlessitisconsideredinthechild'sbestinterest
nottodosoandshallhavetherighttomaintaincontactwithhisorherfamilythroughcorrespondenceand
visits,saveinexceptionalcircumstances
(d)Everychilddeprivedofhisorherlibertyshallhavetherighttopromptaccesstolegalandotherappropriate
assistance,aswellastherighttochallengethelegalityofthedeprivationofhisorherlibertybeforeacourtor
othercompetent,independentandimpartialauthority,andtoapromptdecisiononanysuchaction.
Article38
1.StatesPartiesundertaketorespectandtoensurerespectforrulesofinternationalhumanitarianlaw
applicabletotheminarmedconflictswhicharerelevanttothechild.
2.StatesPartiesshalltakeallfeasiblemeasurestoensurethatpersonswhohavenotattainedtheageoffifteen
yearsdonottakeadirectpartinhostilities.
3.StatesPartiesshallrefrainfromrecruitinganypersonwhohasnotattainedtheageoffifteenyearsintotheir
armedforces.Inrecruitingamongthosepersonswhohaveattainedtheageoffifteenyearsbutwhohavenot
attainedtheageofeighteenyears,StatesPartiesshallendeavourtogiveprioritytothosewhoareoldest.
4.Inaccordancewiththeirobligationsunderinternationalhumanitarianlawtoprotectthecivilianpopulationin
armedconflicts,StatesPartiesshalltakeallfeasiblemeasurestoensureprotectionandcareofchildrenwhoare

affectedbyanarmedconflict.
Article39
StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestopromotephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocial
reintegrationofachildvictimof:anyformofneglect,exploitation,orabusetortureoranyotherformofcruel,
inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishmentorarmedconflicts.Suchrecoveryandreintegrationshalltake
placeinanenvironmentwhichfostersthehealth,selfrespectanddignityofthechild.
Article40
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofeverychildallegedas,accusedof,orrecognizedashavinginfringedthe
penallawtobetreatedinamannerconsistentwiththepromotionofthechild'ssenseofdignityandworth,
whichreinforcesthechild'srespectforthehumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsofothersandwhichtakes
intoaccountthechild'sageandthedesirabilityofpromotingthechild'sreintegrationandthechild'sassuminga
constructiveroleinsociety.
2.Tothisend,andhavingregardtotherelevantprovisionsofinternationalinstruments,StatesPartiesshall,in
particular,ensurethat:
(a)Nochildshallbeallegedas,beaccusedof,orrecognizedashavinginfringedthepenallawbyreasonofacts
oromissionsthatwerenotprohibitedbynationalorinternationallawatthetimetheywerecommitted
(b)Everychildallegedasoraccusedofhavinginfringedthepenallawhasatleastthefollowingguarantees:
(i)Tobepresumedinnocentuntilprovenguiltyaccordingtolaw
(ii)Tobeinformedpromptlyanddirectlyofthechargesagainsthimorher,and,ifappropriate,throughhisor
herparentsorlegalguardians,andtohavelegalorotherappropriateassistanceinthepreparationand
presentationofhisorherdefence
(iii)Tohavethematterdeterminedwithoutdelaybyacompetent,independentandimpartialauthorityor
judicialbodyinafairhearingaccordingtolaw,inthepresenceoflegalorotherappropriateassistanceand,
unlessitisconsiderednottobeinthebestinterestofthechild,inparticular,takingintoaccounthisorherage
orsituation,hisorherparentsorlegalguardians
(iv)Nottobecompelledtogivetestimonyortoconfessguilttoexamineorhaveexaminedadversewitnesses
andtoobtaintheparticipationandexaminationofwitnessesonhisorherbehalfunderconditionsofequality
(v)Ifconsideredtohaveinfringedthepenallaw,tohavethisdecisionandanymeasuresimposedin
consequencethereofreviewedbyahighercompetent,independentandimpartialauthorityorjudicialbody
accordingtolaw
(vi)Tohavethefreeassistanceofaninterpreterifthechildcannotunderstandorspeakthelanguageused
(vii)Tohavehisorherprivacyfullyrespectedatallstagesoftheproceedings.
3.StatesPartiesshallseektopromotetheestablishmentoflaws,procedures,authoritiesandinstitutions
specificallyapplicabletochildrenallegedas,accusedof,orrecognizedashavinginfringedthepenallaw,and,in
particular:
(a)Theestablishmentofaminimumagebelowwhichchildrenshallbepresumednottohavethecapacityto
infringethepenallaw
(b)Wheneverappropriateanddesirable,measuresfordealingwithsuchchildrenwithoutresortingtojudicial
proceedings,providingthathumanrightsandlegalsafeguardsarefullyrespected.4.Avarietyofdispositions,
suchascare,guidanceandsupervisionorderscounsellingprobationfostercareeducationandvocational
trainingprogrammesandotheralternativestoinstitutionalcareshallbeavailabletoensurethatchildrenare
dealtwithinamannerappropriatetotheirwellbeingandproportionatebothtotheircircumstancesandthe
offence.
Article41
NothinginthepresentConventionshallaffectanyprovisionswhicharemoreconducivetotherealizationofthe
rightsofthechildandwhichmaybecontainedin:
(a)ThelawofaStatepartyor
(b)InternationallawinforceforthatState.
PARTII
Article42

StatesPartiesundertaketomaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknown,by
appropriateandactivemeans,toadultsandchildrenalike.
Article43
1.ForthepurposeofexaminingtheprogressmadebyStatesPartiesinachievingtherealizationofthe
obligationsundertakeninthepresentConvention,thereshallbeestablishedaCommitteeontheRightsof
theChild,whichshallcarryoutthefunctionshereinafterprovided.
2.TheCommitteeshallconsistofeighteenexpertsofhighmoralstandingandrecognizedcompetencein
thefieldcoveredbythisConvention.1/ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeelectedbyStatesParties
fromamongtheirnationalsandshallserveintheirpersonalcapacity,considerationbeinggiventoequitable
geographicaldistribution,aswellastotheprincipallegalsystems.
3.ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeelectedbysecretballotfromalistofpersonsnominatedby
StatesParties.EachStatePartymaynominateonepersonfromamongitsownnationals.
4.TheinitialelectiontotheCommitteeshallbeheldnolaterthansixmonthsafterthedateoftheentryinto
forceofthepresentConventionandthereaftereverysecondyear.Atleastfourmonthsbeforethedateof
eachelection,theSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshalladdressalettertoStatesPartiesinviting
themtosubmittheirnominationswithintwomonths.TheSecretaryGeneralshallsubsequentlypreparea
listinalphabeticalorderofallpersonsthusnominated,indicatingStatesPartieswhichhavenominated
them,andshallsubmitittotheStatesPartiestothepresentConvention.
5.TheelectionsshallbeheldatmeetingsofStatesPartiesconvenedbytheSecretaryGeneralatUnited
NationsHeadquarters.Atthosemeetings,forwhichtwothirdsofStatesPartiesshallconstituteaquorum,
thepersonselectedtotheCommitteeshallbethosewhoobtainthelargestnumberofvotesandan
absolutemajorityofthevotesoftherepresentativesofStatesPartiespresentandvoting.
6.ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeelectedforatermoffouryears.Theyshallbeeligibleforre
electionifrenominated.Thetermoffiveofthememberselectedatthefirstelectionshallexpireattheend
oftwoyearsimmediatelyafterthefirstelection,thenamesofthesefivemembersshallbechosenbylotby
theChairmanofthemeeting.
7.IfamemberoftheCommitteediesorresignsordeclaresthatforanyothercauseheorshecannolonger
performthedutiesoftheCommittee,theStatePartywhichnominatedthemembershallappointanother
expertfromamongitsnationalstoservefortheremainderoftheterm,subjecttotheapprovalofthe
Committee.
8.TheCommitteeshallestablishitsownrulesofprocedure.
9.TheCommitteeshallelectitsofficersforaperiodoftwoyears.
10.ThemeetingsoftheCommitteeshallnormallybeheldatUnitedNationsHeadquartersoratanyother
convenientplaceasdeterminedbytheCommittee.TheCommitteeshallnormallymeetannually.The
durationofthemeetingsoftheCommitteeshallbedetermined,andreviewed,ifnecessary,byameetingof
theStatesPartiestothepresentConvention,subjecttotheapprovaloftheGeneralAssembly.
11.TheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshallprovidethenecessarystaffandfacilitiesforthe
effectiveperformanceofthefunctionsoftheCommitteeunderthepresentConvention.
12.WiththeapprovaloftheGeneralAssembly,themembersoftheCommitteeestablishedunderthe
presentConventionshallreceiveemolumentsfromUnitedNationsresourcesonsuchtermsandconditions
astheAssemblymaydecide.
Article44
1.StatesPartiesundertaketosubmittotheCommittee,throughtheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnited
Nations,reportsonthemeasurestheyhaveadoptedwhichgiveeffecttotherightsrecognizedhereinand
ontheprogressmadeontheenjoymentofthoserights
(a)WithintwoyearsoftheentryintoforceoftheConventionfortheStatePartyconcerned
(b)Thereaftereveryfiveyears.
2.Reportsmadeunderthepresentarticleshallindicatefactorsanddifficulties,ifany,affectingthedegree
offulfilmentoftheobligationsunderthepresentConvention.Reportsshallalsocontainsufficient
informationtoprovidetheCommitteewithacomprehensiveunderstandingoftheimplementationofthe
Conventioninthecountryconcerned.
3.AStatePartywhichhassubmittedacomprehensiveinitialreporttotheCommitteeneednot,inits
subsequentreportssubmittedinaccordancewithparagraph1(b)ofthepresentarticle,repeatbasic
informationpreviouslyprovided.
4.TheCommitteemayrequestfromStatesPartiesfurtherinformationrelevanttotheimplementationofthe
Convention.

5.TheCommitteeshallsubmittotheGeneralAssembly,throughtheEconomicandSocialCouncil,everytwo
years,reportsonitsactivities.
6.StatesPartiesshallmaketheirreportswidelyavailabletothepublicintheirowncountries.
Article45
InordertofostertheeffectiveimplementationoftheConventionandtoencourageinternationalco
operationinthefieldcoveredbytheConvention:
(a)Thespecializedagencies,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,andotherUnitedNationsorgansshallbe
entitledtoberepresentedattheconsiderationoftheimplementationofsuchprovisionsofthepresent
Conventionasfallwithinthescopeoftheirmandate.TheCommitteemayinvitethespecializedagencies,
theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandothercompetentbodiesasitmayconsiderappropriatetoprovide
expertadviceontheimplementationoftheConventioninareasfallingwithinthescopeoftheirrespective
mandates.TheCommitteemayinvitethespecializedagencies,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,and
otherUnitedNationsorganstosubmitreportsontheimplementationoftheConventioninareasfalling
withinthescopeoftheiractivities
(b)TheCommitteeshalltransmit,asitmayconsiderappropriate,tothespecializedagencies,theUnited
NationsChildren'sFundandothercompetentbodies,anyreportsfromStatesPartiesthatcontainarequest,
orindicateaneed,fortechnicaladviceorassistance,alongwiththeCommittee'sobservationsand
suggestions,ifany,ontheserequestsorindications
(c)TheCommitteemayrecommendtotheGeneralAssemblytorequesttheSecretaryGeneraltoundertake
onitsbehalfstudiesonspecificissuesrelatingtotherightsofthechild
(d)TheCommitteemaymakesuggestionsandgeneralrecommendationsbasedoninformationreceived
pursuanttoarticles44and45ofthepresentConvention.Suchsuggestionsandgeneralrecommendations
shallbetransmittedtoanyStatePartyconcernedandreportedtotheGeneralAssembly,togetherwith
comments,ifany,fromStatesParties.
PARTIII
Article46
ThepresentConventionshallbeopenforsignaturebyallStates.
Article47
ThepresentConventionissubjecttoratification.Instrumentsofratificationshallbedepositedwiththe
SecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.
Article48
ThepresentConventionshallremainopenforaccessionbyanyState.Theinstrumentsofaccessionshallbe
depositedwiththeSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.
Article49
1.ThepresentConventionshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayfollowingthedateofdepositwiththe
SecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsofthetwentiethinstrumentofratificationoraccession.
2.ForeachStateratifyingoraccedingtotheConventionafterthedepositofthetwentiethinstrumentof
ratificationoraccession,theConventionshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayafterthedepositbysuch
Stateofitsinstrumentofratificationoraccession.
Article50
1.AnyStatePartymayproposeanamendmentandfileitwiththeSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.
TheSecretaryGeneralshallthereuponcommunicatetheproposedamendmenttoStatesParties,witha
requestthattheyindicatewhethertheyfavouraconferenceofStatesPartiesforthepurposeofconsidering
andvotingupontheproposals.Intheeventthat,withinfourmonthsfromthedateofsuchcommunication,
atleastonethirdoftheStatesPartiesfavoursuchaconference,theSecretaryGeneralshallconvenethe
conferenceundertheauspicesoftheUnitedNations.AnyamendmentadoptedbyamajorityofStates
PartiespresentandvotingattheconferenceshallbesubmittedtotheGeneralAssemblyforapproval.
2.Anamendmentadoptedinaccordancewithparagraph1ofthepresentarticleshallenterintoforcewhen
ithasbeenapprovedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheUnitedNationsandacceptedbyatwothirdsmajority
ofStatesParties.
3.Whenanamendmententersintoforce,itshallbebindingonthoseStatesPartieswhichhaveacceptedit,
otherStatesPartiesstillbeingboundbytheprovisionsofthepresentConventionandanyearlier
amendmentswhichtheyhaveaccepted.
Article51

1.TheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshallreceiveandcirculatetoallStatesthetextof
reservationsmadebyStatesatthetimeofratificationoraccession.
2.AreservationincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeofthepresentConventionshallnotbepermitted.
3.ReservationsmaybewithdrawnatanytimebynotificationtothateffectaddressedtotheSecretary
GeneraloftheUnitedNations,whoshalltheninformallStates.Suchnotificationshalltakeeffectonthe
dateonwhichitisreceivedbytheSecretaryGeneral
Article52
AStatePartymaydenouncethepresentConventionbywrittennotificationtotheSecretaryGeneralofthe
UnitedNations.Denunciationbecomeseffectiveoneyearafterthedateofreceiptofthenotificationbythe
SecretaryGeneral.
Article53
TheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsisdesignatedasthedepositaryofthepresentConvention.
Article54
TheoriginalofthepresentConvention,ofwhichtheArabic,Chinese,English,French,RussianandSpanish
textsareequallyauthentic,shallbedepositedwiththeSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.Inwitness
thereoftheundersignedplenipotentiaries,beingdulyauthorizedtheretobytheirrespectiveGovernments,
havesignedthepresentConvention.
_________
1/TheGeneralAssembly,initsresolution50/155of21December1995,approvedtheamendmentto
article43,paragraph2,oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,replacingthewordtenwiththeword
eighteen.Theamendmententeredintoforceon18November2002whenithadbeenacceptedbyatwo
thirdsmajorityoftheStatesparties(128outof191).

Home
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
OHCHRonSocialMedia
OHCHRMemorial
Employment

SiteMap
OHCHR19962016

CONTACTUS