Children's rights

It is the responsibility of parents to treat their child with respect and appreciation. For your child to grow up well, it needs love, security, support and opportunities for co-determination. For parents it is at the same time important that these values are also lived in your partnership.

Children's rights

Why are children's rights needed? What are the children's rights in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child? And what do children's rights mean for parental education? Learn more about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in this post.

What are children's rights?

Children have rights! Children's rights are rights laid down worldwide in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect and promote the participation of children. They describe what children need to grow up well and healthy. In the Convention on the Rights of the Child, "children" refers to all people under the age of 18, including adolescents.

What is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

On November 20, 1989, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is one of the most signed human rights treaties in the world. It entered into force in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1992. The Convention lays down essential provisions for the protection of children worldwide. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child monitors compliance with these provisions. Countries that have signed the convention must regularly report to the committee on what they are doing to implement children's rights.

The four basic principles of this convention include

the prohibition of discrimination,
the right to life, survival and development,
the best interests of the child principle, and
the right to participation.

A key statement in the Convention is that in all actions affecting children, their best interests must be a primary consideration.

What are the children's rights in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child consists of a total of 54 articles. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has summarized the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 10 fundamental rights:

Right to equality
No child may be disadvantaged. It must not matter, for example, whether the child is a girl or a boy, what language he or she speaks, or what skin color or religion he or she has.
Right to health
All children have the right to grow up healthy. This is only possible if they receive good nutrition and clean drinking water and are adequately treated in case of illness.
Right to education
All children have the right to go to school. Later, children have the right to pursue education according to their needs and abilities.
Right to play and leisure
All children in the world should be allowed to play. They have the right to play sports, to be artistically active and also to rest.
Right to freedom of expression
Every child has the right to speak his or her mind freely. Adults should take children seriously and let them have a say in decisions that affect them.
Right to protection from violence
No child shall be beaten or mistreated.
Right to protection in war and flight
Children who experience war or have to flee are particularly exposed to many dangers. That is why they have a right to special protection.
Right to protection from exploitation
No child shall be required to perform any work if his or her health or development will be endangered thereby.
Right to parental care
All children have the right to live with their father and mother - even if they live separately. The parents take care of the welfare of the child.
Right to special care in case of disability
Children with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else. They should be supported as much as possible when they need special care.

The full UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in its official translation can be found at www.kinderrechte.de.

How are children's rights regulated in Germany?

With the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992, Germany committed itself to promoting the implementation of children's rights both nationally and in development cooperation. In Germany, for example, children's rights are taken into account in the Child and Youth Welfare Act (Social Code VIII).

What do children's rights mean to you as a parent and a family?

As parents, you play a central role in your child's development. You are the most important people looking out for the well-being and interests of your child. By observing general children's rights in everyday family life, you create the best conditions for your child to grow up healthy and happy.

This includes:

For a healthy growing up you promote a loving family climate in which your child experiences security, warmth, respect, appreciation, openness, safety, stimulation and support.
As parents, you take your child seriously and respect his or her wishes and needs.
When you as parents make decisions that affect your child, he is included according to his age and maturity. Your child may expect that you listen to him and respect his opinion.
As parents, you meet your child at eye level and guide him to act independently and responsibly.
Your child has the right to a non-violent upbringing. Physical punishment, mental injuries and other degrading measures are inadmissible.
You concede your child free space and set clear boundaries when your child needs to be protected and supported.
Your child has the right to learn as much as he wants and can. When choosing a type of school, education and profession take into account the aptitude and inclination of your child.
Your child has a right to have his or her own space and privacy respected. This includes, for example, not to read chats on the cell phone or the diary.
If your child lives separately from one or both parents and the right of access is not restricted, he has the right to a personal relationship and contacts with both parents.
One of your responsibilities as parents is to inform your child of his or her rights. Because your child can only use his rights when they are known to him.

Where can children and parents turn in cases of violations of children's rights?

The German Children's Fund, the German Child Protection League and UNICEF Germany have joined forces to form an Action Alliance for Children's Rights. Among other things, they are working to ensure that there are children's offices or children's representatives and children's parliaments everywhere. Children, parents or fellow citizens can turn to these institutions with their questions and concerns about children's rights.
Many municipalities in NRW have children's offices or children's representatives or some other body that looks after children's concerns. You can find out via the websites of the respective municipality whether special contact persons are available in your area and how they can be reached.

Children's rights