One of the Convention's key strengths is that it recognizes that rights must be actively promoted if they are going to be enforced - awareness isn't enough. Although children's human rights are still a long way from realization - we have a powerful tool for campaigning for the protection of children's human rights in the almost worldwide acceptance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The preamble recalls the basic principles of the United Nations and specific provisions of certain relevant human rights treaties and proclamations. It reaffirms the fact that children, because of their vulnerability, need special care and protection, and it places special emphasis on the primary caring and protective responsibility of the family. It also reaffirms the need for legal and other protection of the child before and after birth, the importance of respect for cultural values of the child's community, and the vital role of international cooperation in securing children's rights Article 1 - Definition of a child A child is recognized as a person under 18, unless national laws recognize the age of majority earlier.
All rights apply to all children without exception.
It is the State's obligation to protect children from any form of discrimination and to take positive action to promote their rights. All actions concerning the child shall take full account of his or her best interests. The State shall provide the child with adequate care when parents, or others charged with that responsibility, fall to do so. The State must do all it can to implement the rights contained in the Convention. The State must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents and the extended family to provide guidance for the child which is appropriate to her or his evolving capacities.