Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) aims to protect and promote the rights of children, regardless of their background, and give them the right to be treated with respect and to express their views.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child has four basic principles: all children have equal value and rights, decisions affecting children must consider what is best for the child, every child has the right to life, survival and development, and children have the right to express their views, to be heard and to have these views taken into account.
The convention applies to all children in Sweden regardless of their legal status and is part of Swedish law. The Swedish government, regions and municipalities must ensure that children's rights under the convention are respected, and private organizations that provide services for children must also comply with it. Non-profit organizations are not legally obliged to comply with the convention but may be indirectly affected by the criteria for funding or access to premises created by the state, the municipalities or the regions.
Article 1:
The convention applies to everyone who is under 18 years of age, unless the law states that someone becomes an adult earlier.
Article 4:
Countries must make rules and laws to comply with the convention and ensure that children's rights are respected.
Article 7:
Children have the right to a name, citizenship and to know who their parents are as far as possible. Countries must ensure that these rights are respected, especially to avoid children becoming stateless.
Article 10:
If a child or the parents want to be reunited with their family, the country must help in a kind and positive way. Children who have parents in different countries have the right to see them and travel between countries if it does not harm something important such as safety or health.
Article 13:
Children have the right to say what they think and share information and thoughts in different ways, such as talking, writing, or using art. But there are some limitations:
- It is not allowed to harm other people's rights or reputation.
- It is not allowed if it threatens the nation's security, order, public health or public morality.
So, children have the right to express themselves, but it must be done with respect to certain rules.
Article 16:
Children shall not be treated arbitrarily or unlawfully in respect of their privacy, family life, home or correspondence, nor shall they be subjected to unlawful attacks on their reputation or standing. Legislation must protect the child from such intrusions or attacks.
Article 19:
States must take various measures to protect children from any form of violence, harm or ill-treatment, including sexual abuse, when they are with their parents, guardians or other adults responsible for them.
Article 22:
Children who seek protection as refugees, according to international or national law, and who come alone or with their parents or another person, receive appropriate protection and assistance.
Countries must cooperate with the UN and other organizations to protect and help such children. They must also try to find the child's parents or other family members to reunite them. If the parents or family members cannot be found, the child must receive the same protection as other children who cannot live with their family, according to this Convention.
Article 25:
Children cared for by authorities for care or treatment have the right to a regular review of their situation and treatment.
Article 28:
Children's right to education. Primary school must be compulsory and free.
They must have access to information about education and occupations. The state must ensure that children have regular school attendance and reduce study interruptions.
Article 31:
Children have the right to rest, play, and leisure appropriate to their age and freedom to participate in cultural and artistic activities.
Article 34:
States must protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. They must prevent children from participating in illegal sexual activities, being exploited for prostitution or other illegal sexual activities, and being used in pornographic material.
Article 37:
Children must be protected from torture and cruel treatment, not detained illegally or punished by the death penalty or life imprisonment. If a child is detained, he must be treated with respect and have the right to legal assistance and contact with his family.
Article 40:
Children facing criminal charges or convicted of crimes have the right to treatment that respects their dignity and basic freedom and human rights.
Articles 43-45:
This part deals with how countries that have signed the convention should implement it. There is a UN monitoring committee that reviews the countries' reports. Other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations can also contribute information to the UN.
Article 2:
All children have rights that must be respected, regardless of who they are, without discrimination.
Article 5:
Children should have the right to keep their identity and name without anyone doing anything illegal. If their identity is threatened, they should get help.
Article 8:
Countries must respect children's right to maintain their identity, including their nationality, name and family relationships.
Article 11:
Countries must counter the illegal abduction of children to and from abroad by promoting international agreements.
Article 14:
States must respect the child's right to think about things, have his own faith and practice his religion if he wishes. They must also respect the parents' rights to guide the child in a way that helps their development in exercising their rights.
Article 17:
The media has an important role and must ensure that children have access to different kinds of information from different sources, both national and international. This information should promote children's social, spiritual, moral, physical and psychological well-being.
(a) The media should be encouraged to disseminate information that is good for children and in line with what is mentioned in Article 29.
(b) There should be cooperation between countries to produce, exchange and disseminate such information from different cultures and sources.
(c) The production and distribution of children's books should be encouraged.
(d) The media should take particular account of the language needs of children belonging to minority or indigenous groups.
(e) Guidelines should be in place to protect children from information that may harm their welfare, taking into account the provisions of Articles 13 and 18.
Article 20:
A child who cannot live with his family, either temporarily or permanently, must receive special protection and support from the state. States must follow their own laws and ensure that the child is cared for in a different way.
Article 23:
Children with functional variations have the right to a dignified life that promotes their self-confidence and active participation in society.
Article 26:
Children have a right to social security, including social security, and take the necessary steps under their laws to make this a reality. The benefits must be granted taking into account the child's and guardian's resources and other relevant factors
Article 29:
Children's education must:
- Develop their full potential in personality and skills.
- Promote respect for human rights and different cultures.
- Prepare them for responsible and peaceful social life.
Article 32:
Children have the right to protection against harmful work and economic exploitation. The state must introduce laws and measures that include minimum ages for work, regulation of working conditions for children, and penalties for those who violate these laws.
Article 35:
States must take all necessary measures, both nationally and in cooperation with other countries, to prevent children from being abducted, sold or trafficked, regardless of the purpose or the means by which it is carried out.
Article 38:
States must follow international rules on how to protect children in armed conflicts. They must not allow persons under the age of 15 to participate directly in hostilities. They are also not allowed to recruit anyone under the age of 15 into their armed forces. If they are recruiting people between the ages of 15 and 18, they should try to recruit the oldest first. They must also take extra efforts to protect and help children affected by armed conflict.
Article 41:
If national laws give children greater opportunities to exercise their rights than those set out in this Convention, they take precedence.
Articles 46-54:
This section deals with the process for States to accede to the Convention and when their commitments enter into force. It also states that reservations contrary to the purpose of the Convention are not permitted.
Article 3:
When making decisions that affect children, always consider what is best for the child and protect their well-being.
Article 6:
All countries must ensure that every child has the right to life. They must do their best to ensure that children survive, grow up and develop.
Article 9:
Children may not be separated from their parents unless it is absolutely necessary for the child's best interests. Children must have the opportunity to have contact with both parents if it does not harm them.
Article 12:
The state must ensure that children who can form their own opinions have the right to freely express their opinions about everything that affects them. The child's age and maturity must be taken into account when considering their views.
Article 15:
Children have the right to form groups and have peaceful meetings. But there are some rules:
- These rights may be limited by law if necessary in a democratic society to protect national security, public safety, order, public health, morals or the rights of other people.
Article 18:
The state must do its best to ensure that parents take responsibility for raising and helping the child grow up. Parents have the main responsibility for this and they must always think about what is best for the child.
Article 21:
Countries that allow adoption must do what is best for the child and:
(a) Adoption must be approved by the proper authorities, who must use relevant and reliable information to decide whether it is best for the child to be adopted.
(b) If the child cannot find a foster or adoptive family in his home country, international adoption may be considered as an alternative.
(c) International adoptions must have the same guarantees and standards as domestic adoptions.
(d) There must be no financial gain for anyone in international adoptions.
(e) Countries may enter into agreements or arrangements to ensure that children are placed in another country through the appropriate authorities or organizations.
Article 24:
Children have the right to the best possible health and access to health care and rehabilitation. No child may be prevented from having access to such care.
Article 27:
Children have the right to a standard of living that promotes their physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. Parents and guardians have the main responsibility for this, but the state must offer support programs and material assistance if necessary.
Article 30:
Children from ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities or indigenous peoples have the right to participate in their cultural life, religion and language together with their members without discrimination.
Article 33:
States must protect children from narcotics and drugs and prevent them from being exploited in the illegal drug trade.
Article 36:
States must protect the child against all other forms of exploitation that may harm the child in any respect.
Article 39:
Children must get help if they have been victims of various difficult situations, such as neglect, exploitation, abuse, torture, cruel treatment or war. The help means that the child receives support to recover physically and mentally and to readjust socially. This help must be provided in an environment that is good for the child's health and self-esteem.
Article 42:
States that have joined the Convention must disseminate information about its rules and principles so that both adults and children are aware of them.
Article 1:
The convention applies to everyone who is under 18 years of age, unless the law states that someone becomes an adult earlier.
Article 2:
All children have rights that must be respected, regardless of who they are, without discrimination.
Article 3:
When making decisions that affect children, always consider what is best for the child and protect their well-being.
Article 4:
Countries must make rules and laws to comply with the convention and ensure that children's rights are respected.
Article 5:
Children should have the right to keep their identity and name without anyone doing anything illegal. If their identity is threatened, they should get help.
Article 6:
All countries must ensure that every child has the right to life. They must do their best to ensure that children survive, grow up and develop.
Article 7:
Children have the right to a name, citizenship and to know who their parents are as far as possible. Countries must ensure that these rights are respected, especially to avoid children becoming stateless.
Article 8:
Countries must respect children's right to maintain their identity, including their nationality, name and family relationships.
Article 9:
Children may not be separated from their parents unless it is absolutely necessary for the child's best interests. Children must have the opportunity to have contact with both parents if it does not harm them.
Article 10:
If a child or the parents want to be reunited with their family, the country must help in a kind and positive way. Children who have parents in different countries have the right to see them and travel between countries if it does not harm something important such as safety or health.
Article 11:
Countries must counter the illegal abduction of children to and from abroad by promoting international agreements.
Article 12:
The state must ensure that children who can form their own opinions have the right to freely express their opinions about everything that affects them. The child's age and maturity must be taken into account when considering their views.
Article 13:
Children have the right to say what they think and share information and thoughts in different ways, such as talking, writing, or using art. But there are some limitations:
- It is not allowed to harm other people's rights or reputation.
- It is not allowed if it threatens the nation's security, order, public health or public morality.
So, children have the right to express themselves, but it must be done with respect to certain rules.
Article 14:
States must respect the child's right to think about things, have his own faith and practice his religion if he wishes. They must also respect the parents' rights to guide the child in a way that helps their development in exercising their rights.
Article 15:
Children have the right to form groups and have peaceful meetings. But there are some rules:
- These rights may be limited by law if necessary in a democratic society to protect national security, public safety, order, public health, morals or the rights of other people.
Article 16:
Children shall not be treated arbitrarily or unlawfully in respect of their privacy, family life, home or correspondence, nor shall they be subjected to unlawful attacks on their reputation or standing. Legislation must protect the child from such intrusions or attacks.
Article 17:
The media has an important role and must ensure that children have access to different kinds of information from different sources, both national and international. This information should promote children's social, spiritual, moral, physical and psychological well-being.
(a) The media should be encouraged to disseminate information that is good for children and in line with what is mentioned in Article 29.
(b) There should be cooperation between countries to produce, exchange and disseminate such information from different cultures and sources.
(c) The production and distribution of children's books should be encouraged.
(d) The media should take particular account of the language needs of children belonging to minority or indigenous groups.
(e) Guidelines should be in place to protect children from information that may harm their welfare, taking into account the provisions of Articles 13 and 18.
Article 18:
The state must do its best to ensure that parents take responsibility for raising and helping the child grow up. Parents have the main responsibility for this and they must always think about what is best for the child.
Article 19:
States must take various measures to protect children from any form of violence, harm or ill-treatment, including sexual abuse, when they are with their parents, guardians or other adults responsible for them.
Article 20:
A child who cannot live with his family, either temporarily or permanently, must receive special protection and support from the state. States must follow their own laws and ensure that the child is cared for in a different way.
Article 21:
Countries that allow adoption must do what is best for the child and:
(a) Adoption must be approved by the proper authorities, who must use relevant and reliable information to decide whether it is best for the child to be adopted.
(b) If the child cannot find a foster or adoptive family in his home country, international adoption may be considered as an alternative.
(c) International adoptions must have the same guarantees and standards as domestic adoptions.
(d) There must be no financial gain for anyone in international adoptions.
(e) Countries may enter into agreements or arrangements to ensure that children are placed in another country through the appropriate authorities or organizations.
Article 22:
Children who seek protection as refugees, according to international or national law, and who come alone or with their parents or another person, receive appropriate protection and assistance.
Countries must cooperate with the UN and other organizations to protect and help such children. They must also try to find the child's parents or other family members to reunite them. If the parents or family members cannot be found, the child must receive the same protection as other children who cannot live with their family, according to this Convention.
Article 23:
Children with functional variations have the right to a dignified life that promotes their self-confidence and active participation in society.
Article 24:
Children have the right to the best possible health and access to health care and rehabilitation. No child may be prevented from having access to such care.
Article 25:
Children cared for by authorities for care or treatment have the right to a regular review of their situation and treatment.
Article 26:
Children have a right to social security, including social security, and take the necessary steps under their laws to make this a reality. The benefits must be granted taking into account the child's and guardian's resources and other relevant factors
Article 27:
Children have the right to a standard of living that promotes their physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. Parents and guardians have the main responsibility for this, but the state must offer support programs and material assistance if necessary.
Article 28:
Children's right to education. Primary school must be compulsory and free.
They must have access to information about education and occupations. The state must ensure that children have regular school attendance and reduce study interruptions.
Article 29:
Children's education must:
- Develop their full potential in personality and skills.
- Promote respect for human rights and different cultures.
- Prepare them for responsible and peaceful social life.
Article 30:
Children from ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities or indigenous peoples have the right to participate in their cultural life, religion and language together with their members without discrimination.
Article 31:
Children have the right to rest, play, and leisure appropriate to their age and freedom to participate in cultural and artistic activities.
Article 32:
Children have the right to protection against harmful work and economic exploitation. The state must introduce laws and measures that include minimum ages for work, regulation of working conditions for children, and penalties for those who violate these laws.
Article 33:
States must protect children from narcotics and drugs and prevent them from being exploited in the illegal drug trade.
Article 34:
States must protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. They must prevent children from participating in illegal sexual activities, being exploited for prostitution or other illegal sexual activities, and being used in pornographic material.
Article 35:
States must take all necessary measures, both nationally and in cooperation with other countries, to prevent children from being abducted, sold or trafficked, regardless of the purpose or the means by which it is carried out.
Article 36:
States must protect the child against all other forms of exploitation that may harm the child in any respect.
Article 37:
Children must be protected from torture and cruel treatment, not detained illegally or punished by the death penalty or life imprisonment. If a child is detained, he must be treated with respect and have the right to legal assistance and contact with his family.
Article 38:
States must follow international rules on how to protect children in armed conflicts. They must not allow persons under the age of 15 to participate directly in hostilities. They are also not allowed to recruit anyone under the age of 15 into their armed forces. If they are recruiting people between the ages of 15 and 18, they should try to recruit the oldest first. They must also take extra efforts to protect and help children affected by armed conflict.
Article 39:
Children must get help if they have been victims of various difficult situations, such as neglect, exploitation, abuse, torture, cruel treatment or war. The help means that the child receives support to recover physically and mentally and to readjust socially. This help must be provided in an environment that is good for the child's health and self-esteem.
Article 40:
Children facing criminal charges or convicted of crimes have the right to treatment that respects their dignity and basic freedom and human rights.
Article 41:
If national laws give children greater opportunities to exercise their rights than those set out in this Convention, they take precedence.
Article 42:
States that have joined the Convention must disseminate information about its rules and principles so that both adults and children are aware of them.
Articles 43-45:
This part deals with how countries that have signed the convention should implement it. There is a UN monitoring committee that reviews the countries' reports. Other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations can also contribute information to the UN.
Articles 46-54:
This section deals with the process for States to accede to the Convention and when their commitments enter into force. It also states that reservations contrary to the purpose of the Convention are not permitted.
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