What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child summary?
Asked by: Ward Koss | Last update: January 31, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (37 votes)
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is a landmark UN treaty defining children (under 18) as rights-holders, establishing their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, and requiring signatory governments to protect them from abuse, neglect, and exploitation while ensuring access to health, education, and development, emphasizing the best interests of the child in all decisions.
What is the summary of the convention on the rights of the child?
The Convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, sex, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background. The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.
What are the 4 principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
the right to non-discrimination. the best interests of the child as a primary consideration. the right to life, survival and development. the right to express views and have them taken into account.
What is the primary purpose of the UN convention on the rights of the child?
The Convention establishes in international law that States Parties must ensure that all children – without discrimination in any form – benefit from special protection measures and assistance; have access to services such as education and health care; can develop their personalities, abilities and talents to the ...
Which two countries have not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child passed by the United Nations in 1989?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the first legally binding code of child's rights, was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in November 20, 1989 and signed by all Member States. It entered into force in September 1990. Only the United States and Somalia have not ratified the convention.
Convention on the Rights of the Child Explainer
Why won't America ratify the UN Convention on children's rights?
Although Presidents Clinton and Obama have supported ratification, opposition by Republicans in the Senate has made it clear that the treaty would not pass. Opponents of the treaty say it would usurp American sovereignty, a long-standing fear about the UN among some conservative Republicans.
What are the criticisms of the CRC?
Common criticisms of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) are discussed: the CRC is about liberty rights and not about protecting children, the CRC gives children dangerous freedoms and undermines respect for adults and parents, ideas about their rights may encourage children to be selfish and ...
What rights does the CRC protect?
They also include protection from abuse and neglect, and freedom of expression, religion, association, and peaceful assembly. CRC calls for the protection of children from economic, sexual, and other forms of exploitation; torture; and capital punishment for offenses committed before the age of 18.
What are the 10 responsibilities of a child?
A child's core responsibilities include honoring family rules, helping with age-appropriate chores, managing schoolwork, practicing good hygiene, showing respect for others, caring for pets/plants, being honest, helping family members, keeping personal spaces tidy, and learning to manage their time and belongings, all building skills for independence and contributing positively to the family and community.
Why should the US ratify the UN convention on the rights of the child?
From a legal perspective, ratification of the CRC would establish the USA's obligation and accountability to address the holistic needs and rights of all children—including providing the highest quality of education, health and disability services; protection from exploitation, violence, family separation and bias in ...
What are the Rights of the Child simplified?
Children have the right to live a full life. Governments should ensure that children survive and develop healthily. Children have the right to a legally registered name and nationality. Children also have the right to know their parents and, as far as possible, to be cared for by them.
How much sleep does a child need?
preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours, including naps. school-age (6–13 years): 9–12 hours. teens (14–17 years): 8–10 hours.
How do I discipline my child effectively?
Focus on what your child should do instead of what not to do. Praise good behavior rather than punish misbehavior. Rewards are fine but not when they become more important to the child than the good behavior. Establish rules, set clear limits and follow through if rules are broken.
What are the four core principles of the convention on the rights of the child?
Non-discrimination (Article 2) Best interest of the child (Article 3) Right to life survival and development (Article 6) Right to be heard (Article 12)
What are the benefits of the convention on the rights of the child?
The Convention establishes in international law that States Parties must ensure that all children – without discrimination in any form – benefit from special protection measures and assistance; have access to services such as education and healthcare; can develop their personalities, abilities and talents to the ...
What are the rights of a Child with a disability?
The California Disabled Persons Act (CDPA), Civil Code sections 54 et seq., asserts the equal right of individuals with disabilities or medical conditions “to the full and free use of the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices, ...
What is the 7 7 7 rule for parenting?
The 7-7-7 rule of parenting offers two main interpretations: a daily connection strategy and a developmental approach, both aiming to build strong bonds, with the daily version involving 7 minutes in the morning, 7 after school/work, and 7 before bed for focused attention, while the developmental rule suggests phases of playing (0-7), teaching (7-14), and guiding (14-21), emphasizing intentional presence and age-appropriate involvement to raise confident children.
How to explain rights to children?
To be able to explain the concept of “rights”, it's better if you start with the concept of rules. This is familiar territory, as most children know that rules are statements about what's allowed and what's not.
What are the 7 duties and responsibilities of parents?
7 principles to guide us
- MEETING OUR CHILDREN'S NEEDS. ...
- TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. ...
- STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN NURTURE AND STRUCTURE. ...
- COMMUNICATING MEANS SPEAKING AND LISTENING. ...
- BEING A GOOD ROLE MODEL. ...
- BUILDING AND NURTURING A SUPPORT NETWORK. ...
- FINDING INFORMATION AND SEEKING HELP.
Who has not signed the convention on the rights of the child?
The United States has signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); however, it remains the only United Nations member state to have not ratified it after Somalia ratified it in 2015.
At what age do children gain full rights?
Age of Majority | This is the age that a state sets for a minor to become an adult and assume legal responsibility for himself/herself and all decisions that accompany that (e.g., financial, medical, educational). In most states, this is age 18.
What are the four tenets for CRC?
Four principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Non-Discrimination. ...
- Best interests of the child Children. ...
- The right to survival and development. ...
- The views of the child.
Why won't the US ratify the CRC?
The ruling of an international law is an issue because it eliminates laws formed as the result of constitutional democracy. People are also opposed to the ratification of treaty because it would encroach on individual's sovereignty. A specific example of this is that the CRC would violate parent's rights.
What is the biggest problem facing children today?
The biggest problems facing children today are multifaceted, but key issues include pervasive poverty and hunger, the escalating mental health crisis (stress, anxiety, depression), widespread violence and conflict (including school violence, war, and gun violence), severe impacts from climate change, and threats to their education and safety (like cyberbullying, exploitation, and lack of resources). While poverty affects basic needs like food and healthcare, the modern interconnected world adds layers of digital risks and emotional challenges, making a single "biggest" problem difficult to pinpoint, as these issues often intersect and worsen each other.
What are the most important rights for children?
Access to education
Primary education should be free. Secondary and higher education should be available to every child. Children should be encouraged to go to school to the highest level possible. Discipline in schools should respect children's rights and never use violence.