{"id":14241,"date":"2026-01-12T11:14:50","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T10:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ungaornar.se\/democracy\/the-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T11:36:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T10:36:46","slug":"the-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ungaornar.se\/en\/democracy\/the-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child\/","title":{"rendered":"The Convention on the Rights of the Child"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n <\/div>
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About the Convention<\/h2>\n \n
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The Convention on the Rights of the Child aims to protect and promote children’s rights, regardless of their background, and give them the right to be treated with respect and express their opinions. <\/p>\n

The Convention on the Rights of the Child has four fundamental principles: all children have the same 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 those views taken into account. <\/p>\n

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 follow the convention but may be indirectly affected by the criteria for funding or access to premises created by the state, municipalities or regions.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n Download the Convention on the Rights of the Child <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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Article 1: Who is considered a child<\/summary>\n

The convention applies to everyone under the age of 18, unless the law states that someone becomes an adult earlier.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 2: All children are of equal value<\/summary>\n

All children have rights that must be respected, regardless of who they are, without discrimination.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 3: The best interests of the child must always come first<\/summary>\n

When making decisions that affect children, you should always think about what is best for the child and protect their well-being.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 4: States’ responsibility to implement children’s rights<\/summary>\n

Countries must make rules and laws to comply with the convention and ensure that children’s rights are respected.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 5: The right to identity and support from adults<\/summary>\n

Children should have the right to retain their identity and name without anyone doing anything illegal. If their identity is threatened, they should receive help. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 6: The right to life, survival and development<\/summary>\n

All countries must ensure that every child has the right to live. They must do their best to ensure that children survive, grow up and develop. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 7: The right to a name, citizenship and parents<\/summary>\n

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. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 8: Protection of the child’s identity<\/summary>\n

Countries must respect children’s right to retain their identity, including their citizenship, name and family relations. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 9: The right to be with their parents<\/summary>\n

Children must not be separated from their parents unless it is absolutely necessary for the child’s best interests. Children should have the opportunity to have contact with both parents unless it harms them. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 10: The right to family reunification across borders<\/summary>\n

Countries must counteract unlawful removal of children to and from foreign countries by promoting international agreements.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 11: Protection against unlawful removal of children
<\/summary>\n

Countries must counteract unlawful removal of children to and from foreign countries by promoting international agreements.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 12: The child’s right to be heard<\/summary>\n

The State must ensure that children who are capable of forming their own views have the right to express their views freely on all matters affecting them. The child’s age and maturity must be taken into account when considering their views. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Article 13: Freedom of expression \u2013 to express thoughts and opinions<\/summary>\n

Children have the right to say what they think and share information and thoughts in various ways, such as talking, writing, or using art. But there are some limitations: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • – It is not allowed to harm other people’s rights or reputation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • – It is not allowed if it threatens the nation’s security, order, public health or public morals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    So, children have the right to express themselves, but it must be done with respect for certain rules.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Article 14: Freedom of thought, conscience and religion<\/summary>\n

    States must respect the child’s right to think about things, have their own beliefs and practice their religion if they wish. They must also respect the rights of parents to guide the child in a way that helps their development as they exercise their rights. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Article 15: Freedom of association and right to peaceful assembly<\/summary>\n

    Children have the right to form groups and have peaceful meetings. But there are certain rules: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • – These rights may be restricted by law if necessary in a democratic society to protect national security, public safety, order, public health, morals or the rights of others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
      Article 16: Right to privacy and protection of reputation<\/summary>\n

      Children must not be treated arbitrarily or unlawfully with regard to their privacy, family life, home or correspondence, and they must also not be subjected to unlawful attacks on their reputation or standing. Legislation must protect the child from such interference or attacks. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 17: Children’s right to good and safe information in the media<\/summary>\n

      The media has an important role and must ensure that children have access to various kinds of information from various sources, both national and international. This information should promote children’s social, spiritual, moral, physical and mental well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (a) The media should be encouraged to disseminate information that is good for children and in line with what is mentioned in Article 29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (b) There should be cooperation between countries to produce, exchange and disseminate such information from different cultures and sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (c) The production and dissemination of books for children should be encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (d) The media should pay particular attention to the language needs of children belonging to minority groups or indigenous peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (e) There should be guidelines to protect children from information that may harm their welfare, taking into account what is said in Articles 13 and 18.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 18: Parents’ responsibility and state support
      <\/summary>\n

      The State must do its best to ensure that parents take responsibility for raising and helping the child to grow up. Parents have the main responsibility for this and they must always think about what is best for the child. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 19: Protection against violence, abuse and neglect<\/summary>\n

      States must take various kinds of measures to protect children from all kinds of violence, harm or ill-treatment, including sexual abuse, when they are with their parents, guardians or other adults who are responsible for them.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 20: Protection for children who cannot live with their family<\/summary>\n

      A child who cannot live with his or her family, either temporarily or permanently, shall receive special protection and assistance from the State. States must comply with their own laws and ensure that the child is cared for in another way. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 21: The best interests of the child in adoption<\/summary>\n

      Countries that allow adoption must do what is best for the child and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (a) Adoption must be approved by the appropriate authorities, who must use relevant and reliable information to decide whether it is best for the child to be adopted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (b) If the child cannot find a foster family or adoptive family in their home country, international adoption may be considered as an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (c) International adoptions must have the same guarantees and standards as national adoptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (d) There must be no financial gain for anyone in international adoptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      (e) Countries may enter into agreements or arrangements to ensure that children are placed in another country through the appropriate authorities or organizations.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 22: Protection and support for refugee children<\/summary>\n

      Children seeking protection as refugees, under international or national law, and who come alone or with their parents or any other person, receive appropriate protection and assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Countries must cooperate with the UN and other organizations to protect and assist such children. They must also try to find the child’s parents or other family members to reunite them. If it is not possible to find the parents or family members, the child must receive the same protection as other children who cannot live with their family, in accordance with this Convention. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 23: Rights of children with disabilities<\/summary>\n

      Children with disabilities have the right to a dignified life that promotes their self-confidence and active participation in society.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 24: The right to health and health care<\/summary>\n

      Children have the right to the best possible health and access to health care and rehabilitation. No child may be prevented from accessing such care. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 25: Right to regular review of care and placement<\/summary>\n

      Children taken into care by authorities for care or treatment have the right to regular review of their situation and treatment.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 26: Right to social security<\/summary>\n

      Children have the right to social security, including social insurance, and take the necessary steps under their laws to make this a reality. The benefits shall be granted taking into account the resources of the child and custodian and other relevant factors. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 27: Right to an adequate standard of living<\/summary>\n

      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 when needed. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 28: The right to education<\/summary>\n

      Children’s right to education. Primary school shall be compulsory and free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      They shall have access to information about education and occupations. The State shall ensure that children have regular school attendance and reduce school dropouts. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

      Article 29: The goals of education \u2013 to develop and participate in society<\/summary>\n

      Children’s education shall:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. 1. Prepare them for responsible and peaceful social life.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. 2. Develop their full potential in personality and skills.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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          1. 3. Promote respect for human rights and different cultures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
            Article 30: Rights of children in minorities and indigenous peoples<\/summary>\n

            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.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 31: Right to play, rest and leisure<\/summary>\n

            Children have the right to rest, play, and leisure that is appropriate for their age, as well as freedom to participate in cultural and artistic activities.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 32: Protection against child labor and economic exploitation<\/summary>\n

            Children have the right to protection against harmful work and economic exploitation. The State shall introduce laws and measures that include a minimum age for work, regulation of working conditions for children and penalties for those who violate these laws. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 33: Protection against narcotics and drugs<\/summary>\n

            States shall protect children from narcotics and drugs and prevent them from being exploited in the illegal drug trade.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 34: Protection against sexual exploitation and abuse<\/summary>\n

            States shall protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. They shall prevent children from participating in illegal sexual activity, being exploited for prostitution or other illegal sexual activities, and being used in pornographic material. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 35: Protection against abduction, sale and trafficking of children<\/summary>\n

            States shall 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 manner in which it is done.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 36: Protection against all other forms of exploitation<\/summary>\n

            States shall protect the child against all other forms of exploitation that may harm the child in any respect.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 37: Protection against torture, cruel treatment and unlawful deprivation of liberty<\/summary>\n

            Children shall be protected from torture and cruel treatment, not be held in prison unlawfully or punished with the death penalty or life imprisonment. If a child is deprived of his or her liberty, he or she must be treated with respect and have the right to legal assistance and contact with his or her family. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 38: Protection for children in armed conflicts<\/summary>\n

            States must comply with international rules on how children should be protected in armed conflicts. They may not allow persons under the age of 15 to participate directly in hostilities. Nor may they recruit anyone under the age of 15 into their armed forces. If they recruit persons between the ages of 15 and 18, they should try to recruit the oldest first. They must also make extra efforts to protect and assist children affected by an armed conflict. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 39: Right to rehabilitation and recovery after abuse and war<\/summary>\n

            Children must receive help if they have been victims of various difficult situations, such as neglect, exploitation, abuse, torture, cruel treatment or war. The assistance means that the child receives support to recover physically and mentally and to readjust socially. This assistance shall be given in an environment that is good for the child’s health and self-esteem. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 40: Rights of children in contact with the justice system<\/summary>\n

            Children facing criminal charges or convicted of crimes have the right to treatment that respects their dignity and fundamental freedoms and human rights.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 41: The best law for the child shall apply<\/summary>\n

            If national laws give children greater opportunities to exercise their rights than are set out in this Convention, they shall take precedence.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Article 42: Right to know about the Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/summary>\n

            States that have acceded to the Convention must disseminate information about its rules and principles so that both adults and children are aware of them.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Articles 43\u201345: UN monitoring of the Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/summary>\n

            This section deals with how countries that have signed the convention should implement it. There is a UN monitoring committee that reviews countries’ reports. Other UN bodies and non-governmental organizations can also contribute information to the UN. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

            Articles 46\u201354: How states accede to and comply with the Convention<\/summary>\n

            This section addresses the process for States to accede to the Convention and when their commitments enter into force. It also establishes that reservations that go against the purpose of the Convention are not permitted. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":14239,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14241","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Convention on the Rights of the Child – Unga \u00d6rnar<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the UN convention on children's rights. 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