Rights Convention on the Rights of the Child - Summary Give your opinion or Return to children's rights home page You may also wish to view the full text of the convention . 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 the cultural values of the child's community, and the vital role of international cooperation in securing children's rights. Definition of a child 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. Best interests of the child 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, fail 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.