Child rights are a set of fundamental entitlements and freedoms accorded to all individuals below the age of eighteen. These rights are enshrined in international law, primarily the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The concept acknowledges that children possess inherent human rights and require specific protections due to their vulnerability and dependency. Child rights encompass a wide range of areas, including:
- Survival and Development: The right to life, health, nutrition, and education.
- Protection: Freedom from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence.
- Participation: The right to express views and participate in decision-making processes affecting them.
By recognizing and upholding child rights, societies aim to create environments where children can thrive, reach their full potential, and become active and responsible members of their communities.
