Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Child-Friendly Version)

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VI. APPENDICES

Article 1, Right to equality: Article 11, Right to be considered innocent until proven You are born free and equal in rights to every other hu- guilty: man being. You have the ability to think and to tell right 1) You should be considered innocent until it can be from wrong. You should treat others with friendship. proved in a fair trial that you are guilty. Article 2, Freedom from discrimination: 2) You cannot be punished for doing something that was not considered a crime at the time you did it. You have all these human rights no matter what your race, skin colour, sex, language, religion, opinions, fam- Article 12, Freedom from interference with privacy, ily background, social or economic status, birth or na- family, home and correspondence: tionality. You have the right to be protected if someone tries to Article 3, Right to life, liberty and personal security: harm your good name or enter your house, open your mail or bother you or your family without good reason. You have the right to live, to be free and to feel safe. Article 13, Right to free movement: Article 4, Freedom from slavery: 1) You have the right to come and go as you wish Nobody has the right to treat you as a slave, and you within your country. should not make anyone your slave. 2) You have the right to leave your country to go to Article 5, Freedom from torture and degrading another one, and you should be able to return to treatment: your country if you want. Nobody has the right to torture, harm or humiliate Article 14, Right to protection in another country: you. 1) If someone threatens to hurt you, you have the Article 6, Right to recognition as a person before the right to go to another country and ask for protec- law: tion as a refugee. You have a right to be accepted everywhere as a person 2) You lose this right if you have committed a serious according to law. crime. Article 7, Right to equality before the law: Article 15, Right to a nationality and the freedom to You have a right to be protected and treated equally by change it: the law without discrimination of any kind. 1) You have the right to belong to a country and have Article 8, Right to remedy by capable judges: a nationality. If your legal rights are violated, you have the right to fair 2) No-one can take away your nationality without a and capable judges to uphold your rights. good reason. You have a right to change your nationality if you wish. Article 9, Freedom from arbitrary arrest and exile: Nobody has the right to arrest you, put you in prison or Article 16, Right to marriage and family: to force you out of your country without good reasons. 1) When you are legally old enough, you have the right to marry and have a family without any lim- Article 10, Right to fair public hearing: itations based on your race, country or religion. If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to a fair Both partners have the same rights when they are and public hearing. married and also when they are separated. 2) Nobody should force you to marry.

289 3) Th e family is the basic unit of society, and govern- should not be too long, and you should be able to take ment should protect it. regular paid holidays. Article 17, Right to own property: Article 25, Right to adequate living standard: 1) You have the right to own things. 1) You have the right to the things you and your fam- 2) Nobody has the right to take these things from ily need to have a healthy and comfortable life, in- you without a good reason. cluding food, clothing, housing, medical care and other social services. You have a right to help if Article 18, Freedom of thought, conscience and religion: you are out of work or unable to work. You have the right to your own thoughts and to believe 2) Mothers and children should receive special care in any religion. You are free to practise your religion or and help. beliefs and also to change them. Article 26, Right to education: Article 19, Freedom of opinion and information: 1) You have the right to go to go to school. Primary You have the right to hold and express your own opin- schooling should be free and required. You should ions. You should be able to share your opinions with be able to learn a profession or continue your stud- others, including people from other countries, through ies as far as you can. any ways. 2) At school, you should be able to develop all your Article 20, Right to peaceful assembly and association: talents and learn to respect others, whatever their 1) You have the right to meet peacefully with other race, religion or nationality. people. 3) Your parents should have a say in the kind of edu- 2) No-one can force you to belong to a group. cation you receive. Article 21, Right to participate in government and Article 27, Right to participate in the cultural life of elections: community: 1) You have the right participate in your government, 1) You have the right to participate in the traditions either by holding an offi ce or by electing someone and learning of your community, to enjoy the arts to represent you. and to benefi t from scientifi c progress. 2) You and everyone has the right to serve your coun- 2) If you are an artist, writer or scientist, your work try. should be protected and you should be able to ben- 3) Governments should be elected regularly by fair efi t from it. and secret voting. Article 28, Right to a social order: Article 22, Right to social security: You have a right to the kind of world where you and all Th e society you live in should provide you with social se- people can enjoy these rights and freedoms. curity and the rights necessary for your dignity and de- Article 29, Responsibilities to the community velopment. 1) Your personality can only fully develop within Article 23, Right to desirable work and to join trade your community, and you have responsibilities to unions: that community. 1) You have the right to work, to choose your work 2) Th e law should guarantee human rights. It should and to work in good conditions. allow everyone to respect others and to be re- 2) People who do the same work should get the same spected. pay. 3) Th ese rights and freedoms should support the 3) You should be able to earn a salary that allows you purposes and principles of the United Nations. to live and support your family. Article 30, Freedom from interference in these human 4) All people who work have the right to join togeth- rights: er in unions to defend their interests. No person, group or government anywhere in the world Article 24, Right to rest and leisure: should do anything to destroy these rights. You have the right to rest and free time. Your workday

290 Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948

On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations Article 1. adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Rights the full text of which appears in the following pages. Follow- Th ey are endowed with reason and conscience and should act ing this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. to publicize the text of the Declaration and “to cause it to be dis- seminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools Article 2. and other educational institutions, without distinction based on Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the political status of countries or territories.” this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, nation- PREAMBLE al or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, juris- and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is dictional or international status of the country or territory to the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non- self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have re- sulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience Article 3. of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the Article 4. common people, No-one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have re- slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms. course, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppres- sion, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, Article 5. Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly No-one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or de- relations between nations, grading treatment or punishment. Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter Article 6. reaffi rmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person men and women and have determined to promote social prog- before the law. ress and better standards of life in larger freedom, Article 7. Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, All are equal before the law and are entitled without any dis- in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of uni- crimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to versal respect for and observance of human rights and funda- equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this mental freedoms, Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination. Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of Article 8. this pledge, Everyone has the right to an eff ective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights Now, erefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS granted him by the constitution or by law. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common Article 9. standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Dec- No-one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or ex- laration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education ile. to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progres- Article 10. sive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and eff ective recognition and observance, both among the peoples Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hear- of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories ing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determi- under their jurisdiction. nation of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge

291 against him. religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with oth- Article 11. ers and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in (1) Everyone charged with a penal off ence has the right to be teaching, practise, worship and observance. presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary Article 19. for his defense. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; (2) No-one shall be held guilty of any penal off ence on account this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interfer- of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal off ence, ence and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas under national or international law, at the time when it was through any media and regardless of frontiers. committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the Article 20. one that was applicable at the time the penal off ence was committed. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Article 12. (2) No-one may be compelled to belong to an association. No-one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his pri- Article 21. vacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protec- (1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his tion of the law against such interference or attacks. country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in Article 13. his country. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and resi- (3) Th e will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of dence within the borders of each state. government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genu- (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his ine elections which shall be by universal and equal suff rage and own, and to return to his country. shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures. Article 14. (1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other coun- Article 22. tries asylum from persecution. Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social secu- (2) Th is right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions rity and is entitled to realization, through national eff ort and genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts con- international cooperation and in accordance with the organi- trary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. zation and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free devel- Article 15. opment of his personality. (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality. Article 23. (2) No-one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality. (1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protec- Article 16. tion against unemployment. (1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to (2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to pay for equal work. found a family. Th ey are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, (3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable re- during marriage and at its dissolution. muneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence (2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by consent of the intending spouses. other means of social protection. (3) Th e family is the natural and fundamental group unit of so- (4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for ciety and is entitled to protection by society and the State. the protection of his interests.

Article 17. Article 24. (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable association with others. limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay. (2) No-one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property. Article 25. Article 18. (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and the health and well-being of himself and of his family, includ-

292 ing food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary so- tistic production of which he is the author. cial services, and the right to security in the event of unemploy- Article 28. ment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which (2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be ful- assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, ly realized. shall enjoy the same social protection. Article 29. Article 26. (1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, free and full development of his personality is possible. at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary (2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional ed- subject only to such limitations as are determined by law sole- ucation shall be made generally available and higher education ly for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just re- (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the quirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in human personality and to the strengthening of respect for hu- a democratic society. man rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote under- (3) Th ese rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised con- standing, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or trary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Article 30. Nations for the maintenance of peace. (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for that shall be given to their children. any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights Article 27. and freedoms set forth herein. (1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientif- Resource: ic advancement and its beneﬁ ts. (2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and Universal Declaration of Human Rights: www.un.org/Overview/ material interests resulting from any scientiﬁ c, literary or ar- rights.html

293 The European Convention on Human Rights (Child-Friendly Version)

Section I: Rights and Freedoms Article 9, Freedom of thought, conscience and religion: You have the right to your own thoughts and to believe Article 1, Obligation to respect human rights: in any religion. You are free to practise your religion or beliefs and also to change them. If you live in a country that has agreed to this convention, you have a right to these basic civil and political Article 10, Freedom of expression: rights whether you are a citizen or not. You have the right to think what you want and respon- Article 2, Right to life: sibly to say what you like. You should be able to share your ideas and opinions in any way including newspa- You have the right to life, and this right is protected by pers and magazines, radio, television, and the Internet. law.1 Article 11, Freedom of assembly and association: Article 3, Freedom from torture: You have the right to meet peacefully with other people, Nobody is allowed to torture, harm or humiliate you. including the right to form and to join trade unions. Article 4, Freedom from slavery and forced labour: Article 12, Right to marry: Nobody is allowed to treat you as a slave, and you should When you are legally old enough, you have the right to not make anyone your slave. No-one can make you work marry and to found a family. by force. Article 13, Right to an effective remedy: Article 5, Right to liberty and security If your rights are violated by another person or by the You have the right to freedom and safety. No-one is al- government, you have the right to ask for help from the lowed to take away this right except by legal means. If courts or other public bodies to uphold your rights. you are arrested, you have many rights, including to understand why you are arrested, to have a prompt hearing Article 14, Freedom from discrimination: and to challenge your arrest, You have all the rights and freedoms in this convention Article 6, Right to a fair trial: no matter what your sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social back- If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to a fair ground, association with a minority group, economic and public hearing. status, birth or other status. Article 7, No punishment without law: Article 15, Derogation in time of emergency: You cannot be punished for doing something that was Th e government may suspend its duties to uphold these not considered a crime at the time you did it. rights and freedoms in time of war. Th is suspension Article 8, Right to respect for private and family life may not include Article 2, the Right to Life. home and correspondence: Article 16, Restrictions on political activity of aliens: You have the right to be protected if someone tries to en- Th e government cannot restrict your political activity ter your house, open your letters, or bother you or your simply because you are not a citizen of that country. family without good reasons.

1 Two additions to the Convention (called protocols) aim at abolishing the death penalty in Europe.

294 Article 17, Prohibition of abuse of rights: Protocol No. 1: No person, group or government anywhere in the world Article 1, Right to property may do anything to destroy these rights. You have the right to own property and use your pos- Article 18, Limitation on use of restrictions on rights: sessions.

Your rights and freedoms can only be limited in ways set Article 2, Right to education out in this convention. You have the right to go to school. Section II: European Court of Human Article 3, Right to free elections Rights You have the right to elect the government of your country by secret vote. Articles 19 to 51, The European Court of Human Rights, Protocol No. 4: its mandate and activities: Article 2, Freedom of movement Th e Convention establishes a European Court of Hu- man Rights to deal with cases brought to it by individu- If you are in a country legally, you have the right to trav- als and governments. Th e Judges are entirely indepen- el or live wherever you want within it and also to return dent and are elected by the Parliamentary Assembly of to your home country. the Council of Europe. Protocols Nos. 6 and 13: Section III, Miscellaneous provisions Article 1, Freedom from the death penalty You cannot be condemned to death or executed by the Articles 52 to 59, Application of rights in this convention government either in peace- or wartime.

Th e Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe over- Protocol No. 7: sees how governments respect this convention and fulﬁ ll Article 2, Right of appeal in criminal matters their obligations to promote and protect human rights. If you have been convicted of a crime, you can appeal to Protocols to the European a higher court. Convention on Human Rights Protocol No. 12:

Since the ECHR was adopted in 1950, the Council of Europe Article 1, General protection against discrimination has made important additions, known as protocols, which Public authorities cannot discriminate against you for add to the human rights of people living in Europe. Among reasons like your skin colour, sex, language, political or the major rights and freedoms added are these: religious beliefs, or origins.

295 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (Child-Friendly Version)

Article 1, Defi nition of a child: it is for your own good (for example, if a parent mis- Until you are eighteen, you are considered a child and treats or neglects you). If your parents have separated, have all the rights in this convention. you have the right to stay in contact with both of them unless this might hurt you. Article 2, Freedom from discrimination: Article 10, Family reunifi cation: You should not be discriminated against for any reason, including your race, colour, sex, language, religion, If your parents live in diff erent countries, you should be opinion, religion, origin, social or economic status, dis- allowed to move between those countries so that you ability, birth, or any other quality of your or your par- can stay in contact with your parents or get back togeth- ents or guardian. er as a family.

Article 3, The child’s best interest: Article 11, Protection from illegal transfer to another country: All actions and decisions that aﬀ ect children should be based on what is best for you or any child. Governments must take steps to stop you being taken out of their own country illegally. Article 4, Enjoying the rights in the Convention: Article 12, Respect for the child’s opinion: Governments should make these rights available to you and all children. When adults are making decisions that aﬀ ect you, you have the right to say freely what you think should hap- Article 5, Parental guidance and the child’s growing pen and to have your opinions taken into account. abillities: Article 13, Freedom of expression and information: Your family has the main responsibility for guiding you, so that as you grow, you learn to use your rights proper- You have the right to seek, get and share information in ly. Governments should respect this right. all forms (e.g. through writing, art, television, radio and the Internet) as long as the information is not damag- Article 6, Right to life and development: ing to you or to others. You have the right to live and grow well. Governments Article 14, Freedom of thought, conscience and religion: should ensure that you survive and develop healthily. You have the right to think and believe what you want Article 7, Birth registration, name, nationality and and to practise your religion as long as you do not stop parental care: other people from enjoying their rights. Your parents You have the right to have your birth legally registered, should guide you on these matters. to have a name and nationality and to know and to be Article 15, Freedom of association and peaceful cared for by your parents. assembly: Article 8, Preservation of identity: You have the right to meet and to join groups and organ- Governments should respect your right to a name, a na- isations with other children as long as this does not stop tionality and family ties. other people from enjoying their rights.

Article 9, Separation from parents: Article 16, Privacy, honour and reputation:

You should not be separated from your parents unless You have a right to privacy. No-one should harm your good

296 name, enter your house, open your letters and emails or and health education so that you can stay healthy. Rich bother you or your family without a good reason. countries should help poorer countries achieve this.

Article 17, Access to information and media: Article 25, Periodic review of treatment:

You have the right to reliable information from a vari- If you are looked after by local authorities or institu- ety of sources, including books, newspapers and mag- tions rather than by your parents, you should have your azines, television, radio and the Internet. Information situation reviewed regularly to make sure you have should be beneﬁ cial and understandable to you. good care and treatment.

Article 18, Parents’ joint responsibilities: Article 26, Beneﬁ t from social security:

Both your parents share responsibility for bringing Th e society in which you live should provide you with you up and should always consider what is best for you. beneﬁ ts of social security that help you develop and live Governments should provide services to help parents, in good conditions (e.g. education, culture, nutrition, especially if both parents work. health, social welfare). Th e Government should provide extra money for the children of families in need. Article 19, Protection from all forms of violence, abuse and neglect: Article 27, Adequate standard of living:

Governments should ensure that you are properly cared You should live in good conditions that help you devel- for and protect you from violence, abuse and neglect by op physically, mentally, spiritually, morally and social- your parents or anyone else who looks after you. ly. Th e Government should help families who cannot aﬀ ord to provide this. Article 20, Alternative care: Article 28, Right to education: If parents and family cannot care for you properly, then you must be looked after by people who respect your re- You have a right to education. Discipline in schools ligion, traditions and language. should respect your human dignity. Primary education should be free and required. Rich countries should help Article 21, Adoption: poorer countries achieve this. If you are adopted, the ﬁ rst concern must be what is Article 29, The aims of education: best for you, whether you are adopted in your birth country or if you are taken to live in another country. Education should develop your personality, talents and mental and physical skills to the fullest. It should pre- Article 22, Refugee children: pare you for life and encourage you to respect your par- If you have come to a new country because your home ents and your own and other nations and cultures. You country was unsafe, you have a right to protection and have a right to learn about your rights. support. You have the same rights as children born in Article 30, Children of minorities and native origin: that country. You have a right to learn and use the traditions, religion Article 23, Disabled children: and language of your family, whether or not these are If you have any kind of disability, you should have spe- shared by most people in your country. cial care, support and education so that you can lead a Article 31, Leisure, play and culture: full and independent life and participate in the community to the best of your ability. You have a right to relax and play and to join in a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. Article 24, Healthcare and health services: Article 32, Child labour: You have the right to good quality health-care (e.g. med- icine, hospitals, health professionals). You also have the Th e government should protect you from work that is right to clean water, nutritious food, a clean environment dangerous to your health or development, that inter-

297 feres with your education or that might lead people to Article 39, Rehabilitation of child victims: take advantage of you. If you were neglected, tortured or abused, were a victim Article 33, Children and drug abuse: of exploitation and warfare, or were put in prison, you should receive special help to regain your physical and Th e Government should provide ways of protecting you mental health and rejoin society. from using, producing or distributing dangerous drugs. Article 40, Juvenile justice: Article 34, Protection from sexual exploitation: If you are accused of breaking the law, you must be treat- Th e government should protect you from sexual abuse. ed in a way that respects your dignity. You should receive Article 35, Protection from trafﬁ cking, sale, and legal help and only be given a prison sentences for the abduction: most serious crimes.

Th e government should make sure that you are not kid- Article 41, Respect for higher human rights standards: napped, sold or taken to other countries to be exploited. If the laws of your country are better for children than Article 36, Protection from other forms of exploitation: the articles of the Convention, then those laws should be followed. You should be protected from any activities that could harm your development and well-being. Article 42, Making the Convention widely known:

Article 37, Protection from torture, degrading treatment Th e Government should make the Convention known to and loss of liberty: all parents, institutions and children.

If you break the law, you should not be treated cruelly. Articles 43-54, Duties of Governments: You should not be put in prison with adults and should Th ese articles explain how adults and governments be able to stay in contact with your family. should work together to make sure all children get all Article 38, Protection of children affected by armed their rights confl ict: Note: Th e CRC wasadopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989 and entered into force as international law in 1990. Th e CRC has If you are under fi fteen (under eighteen in most Europe- 54 articles that defi ne the rights of children and how these rights an countries), governments should not allow you to join are to be protected and promoted by governments. Almost every the army or take any direct part in warfare. Children in country in the world has ratifi ed this Convention, promising to war zones should receive special protection. recognize all the rights it contains.

298 Convention on the Rights of the Child

Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989 entry into force 2 September 1990, in accordance with article 49

Bearing in mind that, as indicated in the Declaration of the Rights Preamble of the Child, “the child, by reason of his physical and mental imma- The States Parties to the present Convention, turity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth”, Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in Recalling the provisions of the Declaration on Social and Legal the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dig- Principles relating to the Protection and Welfare of Children, with nity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption Nationally human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in and Internationally; the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules the world, for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Th e Beijing Rules) ; and Bearing in mind that the peoples of the United Nations have, in the Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emer- the Charter, reaffi rmed their faith in fundamental human rights gency and Armed Confl ict, Recognizing that, in all countries in and in the dignity and worth of the human person, and have deter- the world, there are children living in exceptionally diffi cult condi- mined to promote social progress and better standards of life in tions, and that such children need special consideration, larger freedom, Taking due account of the importance of the traditions and cul- Recognizing that the United Nations has, in the Universal Dec- tural values of each people for the protection and harmonious laration of Human Rights and in the International Covenants on development of the child, Recognizing the importance of interna- Human Rights, proclaimed and agreed that everyone is entitled to tional cooperation for improving the living conditions of children all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction in every country, in particular in the developing countries, of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political Have agreed as follows: or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, Recalling that, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the PART I United Nations has proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care and assistance, Article 1 Convinced that the family, as the fundamental group of society For the purposes of the present Convention, a child means every and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law its members and particularly children, should be aff orded the nec- applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier. essary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community, Article 2 Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious develop- 1. States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the ment of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environ- present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without ment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding, discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her Considering that the child should be fully prepared to live an indi- parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, polit- vidual life in society, and brought up in the spirit of the ideals pro- ical or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disa- claimed in the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular in the bility, birth or other status. spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity, 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure Bearing in mind that the need to extend particular care to the child that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination has been stated in the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed of 1924 and in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted opinions, or beliefs of the child’s parents, legal guardians, or by the General Assembly on 20 November 1959 and recognized in family members. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (in particular in articles 23 Article 3 and 24), in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and 1. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by pub- Cultural Rights (in particular in article 10) and in the statutes and lic or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, adminis- relevant instruments of specialized agencies and international trative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the organizations concerned with the welfare of children, child shall be a primary consideration.

299 2. States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection Article 9 and care as is necessary for his or her well-being, taking into 1. States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardi- from his or her parents against their will, except when compe- ans, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, tent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accord- to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and adminis- ance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is trative measures. necessary for the best interests of the child. 3. States Parties shall ensure that the institutions, services and 2. Such determination may be necessary in a particular case such as facilities responsible for the care or protection of children shall one involving abuse or neglect of the child by the parents, or one conform with the standards established by competent author- where the parents are living separately and a decision must be ities, particularly in the areas of safety, health, in the number made as to the child’s place of residence. and suitability of their staﬀ , as well as competent supervision. 3. In any proceedings pursuant to paragraph 1 of the present arti- Article 4 cle, all interested parties shall be given an opportunity to participate in the proceedings and make their views known. States Parties shall undertake all appropriate legislative, administrative, and other measures for the implementation of the rights 4. States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is sepa- recognized in the present Convention. With regard to economic, rated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations social and cultural rights, States Parties shall undertake such mea- and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if sures to the maximum extent of their available resources and, it is contrary to the child’s best interests. where needed, within the framework of international cooperation. 5. Where such separation results from any action initiated by a State Party, such as the detention, imprisonment, exile, depor- Article 5 tation or death (including death arising from any cause while States Parties shall respect the responsibilities, rights and duties of the person is in the custody of the State) of one or both par- parents or, where applicable, the members of the extended family ents or of the child, that State Party shall, upon request, provide or community as provided for by local custom, legal guardians or the parents, the child or, if appropriate, another member of the other persons legally responsible for the child, to provide, in a man- family with the essential information concerning the wherea- ner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child, appropriate bouts of the absent member(s) of the family unless the provi- direction and guidance in the exercise by the child of the rights rec- sion of the information would be detrimental to the well-being ognized in the present Convention. of the child. States Parties shall further ensure that the submission of such a request shall of itself entail no adverse conse- Article 6 quences for the person(s) concerned.

1. States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to Article 10 life. States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child. 1. In accordance with the obligation of States Parties under article 9, paragraph 1, applications by a child or his or her parents Article 7 to enter or leave a State Party for the purpose of family reunifi - 1. Th e child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall cation shall be dealt with by States Parties in a positive, humane have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nation- and expeditious manner. States Parties shall further ensure ality and. as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by that the submission of such a request shall entail no adverse his or her parents. consequences for the applicants and for the members of their family. 2. States Parties shall ensure the implementation of these rights in accordance with their national law and their obligations under 2. A child whose parents reside in diff erent States shall have the the relevant international instruments in this fi eld, in particu- right to maintain on a regular basis, save in exceptional cir- lar where the child would otherwise be stateless. cumstances personal relations and direct contacts with both parents. Towards that end and in accordance with the obliga- Article 8 tion of States Parties under article 9, paragraph 1, States Par- ties shall respect the right of the child and his or her parents to 1. States Parties undertake to respect the right of the child to pre- leave any country, including their own, and to enter their own serve his or her identity, including nationality, name and family country. Th e right to leave any country shall be subject only to relations as recognized by law without unlawful interference. such restrictions as are prescribed by law and which are neces- 2. Where a child is illegally deprived of some or all of the elements sary to protect the national security, public order (ordre public), of his or her identity, States Parties shall provide appropriate public health or morals or the rights and freedoms of others and assistance and protection, with a view to re-establishing speed- are consistent with the other rights recognized in the present ily his or her identity. Convention.

300 Article 11 Article 16 1. States Parties shall take measures to combat the illicit transfer 1. No child shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference and non-return of children abroad. with his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to 2. To this end, States Parties shall promote the conclusion of bilat- unlawful attacks on his or her honour and reputation. eral or multilateral agreements or accession to existing agree- 2. Th e child has the right to the protection of the law against such ments. interference or attacks. Article 17 Article 12 States Parties recognize the important function performed by the 1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming mass media and shall ensure that the child has access to informa- his or her own views the right to express those views freely in tion and material from a diversity of national and international all matters aff ecting the child, the views of the child being given sources, especially those aimed at the promotion of his or her social, due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child. spiritual and moral well-being and physical and mental health. 2. For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the To this end, States Parties shall: opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative pro- a. Encourage the mass media to disseminate information ceedings aff ecting the child, either directly, or through a repre- and material of social and cultural benefi t to the child sentative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with and in accordance with the spirit of article 29; the procedural rules of national law. b. Encourage international cooperation in the production, Article 13 exchange and dissemination of such information and material from a diversity of cultural, national and inter- 1. Th e child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this national sources; right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart informa- c. Encourage the production and dissemination of chil- tion and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, dren’s books; in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other d. Encourage the mass media to have particular regard to media of the child’s choice. the linguistic needs of the child who belongs to a minor- 2. Th e exercise of this right may be subject to certain restrictions, but ity group or who is indigenous; these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: e. Encourage the development of appropriate guidelines for a. For respect of the rights or reputations of others; or the protection of the child from information and mate- b. For the protection of national security or of public order rial injurious to his or her well-being, bearing in mind the (ordre public), or of public health or morals. provisions of articles 13 and 18.

Article 14 Article 18 1. States Parties shall use their best eﬀ orts to ensure recognition 1. States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of of the principle that both parents have common responsibilities thought, conscience and religion. for the upbringing and development of the child. Parents or, as 2. States Parties shall respect the rights and duties of the parents the case may be, legal guardians, have the primary responsibil- and, when applicable, legal guardians, to provide direction to ity for the upbringing and development of the child. Th e best the child in the exercise of his or her right in a manner consist- interests of the child will be their basic concern. ent with the evolving capacities of the child. 2. For the purpose of guaranteeing and promoting the rights set forth 3. Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject in the present Convention, States Parties shall render appropri- only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are neces- ate assistance to parents and legal guardians in the performance sary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fun- of their child-rearing responsibilities and shall ensure the develop- damental rights and freedoms of others. ment of institutions, facilities and services for the care of children.

Article 15 3. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that children of working parents have the right to beneﬁ t from child- 1. States Parties recognize the rights of the child to freedom of care services and facilities for which they are eligible. association and to freedom of peaceful assembly. Article 19 2. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of these rights other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which 1. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administra- are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national tive, social and educational measures to protect the child from security or public safety, public order (ordre public), the protec- all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect tion of public health or morals or the protection of the rights or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including and freedoms of others. sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.

301 2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include eff ec- Article 22 tive procedures for the establishment of social programmes to 1. States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that a provide necessary support for the child and for those who have child who is seeking refugee status or who is considered a refu- the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and gee in accordance with applicable international or domestic law for identifi cation, reporting, referral, investigation,treatment and procedures shall, whether unaccompanied or accompanied and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described by his or her parents or by any other person, receive appropri- heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement. ate protection and humanitarian assistance in the enjoyment Article 20 of applicable rights set forth in the present Convention and in other international human rights or humanitarian instruments 1. A child temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family to which the said States are Parties. environment, or in whose own best interests cannot be allowed 2. For this purpose, States Parties shall provide, as they consider to remain in that environment, shall be entitled to special pro- appropriate, cooperation in any eff orts by the United Nations tection and assistance provided by the State. and other competent intergovernmental organizations or non- 2. States Parties shall in accordance with their national laws ensure governmental organizations co-operating with the United alternative care for such a child. Nations to protect and assist such a child and to trace the par- 3. Such care could include, inter alia, foster placement, kafalah of ents or other members of the family of any refugee child in Islamic law, adoption or if necessary placement in suitable insti- order to obtain information necessary for reunifi cation with his tutions for the care of children. When considering solutions, or her family. In cases where no parents or other members of the due regard shall be paid to the desirability of continuity in a family can be found, the child shall be accorded the same pro- child’s upbringing and to the child’s ethnic, religious, cultural tection as any other child permanently or temporarily deprived and linguistic background. of his or her family environment for any reason , as set forth in the present Convention. Article 21 States Parties that recognize and/or permit the system of adoption Article 23 shall ensure that the best interests of the child shall be the para- 1. States Parties recognize that a mentally or physically disabled mount consideration and they shall: child should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which a. Ensure that the adoption of a child is authorized only ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s by competent authorities who determine, in accordance active participation in the community. with applicable law and procedures and on the basis of all 2. States Parties recognize the right of the disabled child to spe- pertinent and reliable information, that the adoption is cial care and shall encourage and ensure the extension, subject permissible in view of the child’s status concerning par- to available resources, to the eligible child and those responsible ents, relatives and legal guardians and that, if required, for his or her care, of assistance for which application is made the persons concerned have given their informed consent and which is appropriate to the child’s condition and to the cir- to the adoption on the basis of such counselling as may cumstances of the parents or others caring for the child. be necessary; 3. Recognizing the special needs of a disabled child, assistance b. Recognize that inter-country adoption may be consid- extended in accordance with paragraph ered as an alternative means of child’s care, if the child 4. 2 of the present article shall be provided free of charge, when- cannot be placed in a foster or an adoptive family or can- ever possible, taking into account the fi nancial resources of the not in any suitable manner be cared for in the child’s parents or others caring for the child, and shall be designed country of origin; to ensure that the disabled child has eff ective access to and c. Ensure that the child concerned by inter-country adop- receives education, training, health care services, rehabilitation tion enjoys safeguards and standards equivalent to those services, preparation for employment and recreation opportu- existing in the case of national adoption; nities in a manner conducive to the child’s achieving the fullest d. Take all appropriate measures to ensure that, in inter- possible social integration and individual development, includ- country adoption, the placement does not result in ing his or her cultural and spiritual development improper fi nancial gain for those involved in it; 5. States Parties shall promote, in the spirit of international coop- e. Promote, where appropriate, the objectives of the present eration, the exchange of appropriate information in the fi eld of article by concluding bilateral or multilateral arrange- preventive health care and of medical, psychological and func- ments or agreements, and endeavour, within this frame- tional treatment of disabled children, including dissemination work, to ensure that the placement of the child in of and access to information concerning methods of rehabili- another country is carried out by competent authorities tation, education and vocational services, with the aim of ena- or organs. bling States Parties to improve their capabilities and skills and to widen their experience in these areas. In this regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of developing countries.

302 Article 24 Article 27 1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment 1. States Parties recognize the right of every child to a standard of of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for living adequate for the child’s physical, mental, spiritual, moral the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health. States Par- and social development. ties shall strive to ensure that no child is deprived of his or her 2. Th e parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the pri- right of access to such health care services. mary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and fi nan- 2. States Parties shall pursue full implementation of this right cial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child’s and, in particular, shall take appropriate measures: development. a. To diminish infant and child mortality; 3. States Parties, in accordance with national conditions and b. To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist and health care to all children with emphasis on the parents and others responsible for the child to implement this development of primary health care; right and shall in case of need provide material assistance and c. To combat disease and malnutrition, including within support programmes, particularly with regard to nutrition, the framework of primary health care, through, inter clothing and housing. alia, the application of readily available technology and 4. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to secure the through the provision of adequate nutritious foods and recovery of maintenance for the child from the parents or other clean drinking-water, taking into consideration the dan- persons having fi nancial responsibility for the child, both within gers and risks of environmental pollution; the State Party and from abroad. In particular, where the person d. To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health having fi nancial responsibility for the child lives in a State dif- care for mothers; ferent from that of the child, States Parties shall promote the accession to international agreements or the conclusion of such e. To ensure that all segments of society, in particular par- agreements, as well as the making of other appropriate arrange- ents and children, are informed, have access to educa- ments. tion and are supported in the use of basic knowledge of child health and nutrition, the advantages of breastfeed- Article 28 ing, hygiene and environmental sanitation and the pre- 1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and vention of accidents; with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis f. To develop preventive health care, guidance for parents of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular: and family planning education and services. a. Make primary education compulsory and available free 3. States Parties shall take all eff ective and appropriate measures to all; with a view to abolishing traditional practises prejudicial to the b. Encourage the development of diff erent forms of second- health of children. ary education, including general and vocational educa- 4. States Parties undertake to promote and encourage interna- tion, make them available and accessible to every child, tional cooperation with a view to achieving progressively the and take appropriate measures such as the introduction full realization of the right recognized in the present article. In of free education and off ering fi nancial assistance in case this regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of of need; developing countries. c. Make higher education accessible to all on the basis of Article 25 capacity by every appropriate means; States Parties recognize the right of a child who has been placed d. Make educational and vocational information and guid- by the competent authorities for the purposes of care, protection ance available and accessible to all children; or treatment of his or her physical or mental health, to a periodic e. Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools review of the treatment provided to the child and all other circum- and the reduction of drop-out rates. stances relevant to his or her placement. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that school discipline is administered in a manner consistent with Article 26 the child’s human dignity and in conformity with the present 1. States Parties shall recognize for every child the right to benefi t Convention. from social security, including social insurance, and shall take 3. States Parties shall promote and encourage international coop- the necessary measures to achieve the full realization of this eration in matters relating to education, in particular with a right in accordance with their national law. view to contributing to the elimination of ignorance and illit- 2. Th e benefi ts should, where appropriate, be granted, taking into eracy throughout the world and facilitating access to scientifi c account the resources and the circumstances of the child and and technical knowledge and modern teaching methods. In this persons having responsibility for the maintenance of the child, regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of devel- as well as any other consideration relevant to an application for oping countries. benefi ts made by or on behalf of the child.

303 Article 29 present article. To this end, and having regard to the relevant provisions of other international instruments, States Parties 1. States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be shall in particular: directed to: a. Provide for a minimum age or minimum ages for admis- a. Th e development of the child’s personality, talents and sion to employment; mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential; b. Provide for appropriate regulation of the hours and con- b. Th e development of respect for human rights and funda- ditions of employment; mental freedoms, and for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations; c. Provide for appropriate penalties or other sanctions to ensure the eff ective enforcement of the present article. c. Th e development of respect for the child’s parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the Article 33 national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legis- for civilizations diff erent from his or her own; lative, administrative, social and educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic sub- d. Th e preparation of the child for responsible life in a free stances as defi ned in the relevant international treaties, and to pre- society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, vent the use of children in the illicit production and traffi cking of equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, eth- such substances. nic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin; Article 34 e. Th e development of respect for the natural environment. States Parties undertake to protect the child from all forms of sex- 2. No part of the present article or article 28 shall be construed ual exploitation and sexual abuse. For these purposes, States Par- so as to interfere with the liberty of individuals and bodies to ties shall in particular take all appropriate national, bilateral and establish and direct educational institutions, subject always to multilateral measures to prevent: the observance of the principle set forth in paragraph 1 of the a. Th e inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any present article and to the requirements that the education given unlawful sexual activity; in such institutions shall conform to such minimum standards b. Th e exploitative use of children in prostitution or other as may be laid down by the State. unlawful sexual practises; Article 30 c. Th e exploitative use of children in pornographic perform- In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities ances and materials. or persons of indigenous origin exist, a child belonging to such a Article 35 minority or who is indigenous shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of his or her group, to enjoy his or her States Parties shall take all appropriate national, bilateral and mul- own culture, to profess and practise his or her own religion, or to tilateral measures to prevent the abduction of, the sale of or traffi c use his or her own language. in children for any purpose or in any form.

Article 31 Article 36 1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and lei- States Parties shall protect the child against all other forms of sure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate exploitation prejudicial to any aspects of the child’s welfare. to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life Article 37 and the arts. 2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child States Parties shall ensure that: to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encour- a. No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhu- age the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cul- man or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither capi- tural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity. tal punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for oﬀ ences committed by per- Article 32 sons below eighteen years of age; 1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected b. No child shall be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully from economic exploitation and from performing any work that or arbitrarily. Th e arrest, detention or imprisonment of a is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s educa- child shall be in conformity with the law and shall be used tion, or to be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appro- spiritual, moral or social development. priate period of time; 2. States Parties shall take legislative, administrative, social and c. Every child deprived of liberty shall be treated with educational measures to ensure the implementation of the humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the

304 human person, and in a manner which takes into account a. No child shall be alleged as, be accused of, or recognized as the needs of persons of his or her age. having infringed the penal law by reason of acts or omis- d. In particular, every child deprived of liberty shall be sep- sions that were not prohibited by national or international arated from adults unless it is considered in the child’s law at the time they were committed; best interest not to do so and shall have the right to main- b. Every child alleged as or accused of having infringed the tain contact with his or her family through correspond- penal law has at least the following guarantees: ence and visits, save in exceptional circumstances; i. To be presumed innocent until proven guilty e. Every child deprived of his or her liberty shall have the according to law; right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate ii. To be informed promptly and directly of the charges assistance, as well as the right to challenge the legality against him or her, and, if appropriate, through his of the deprivation of his or her liberty before a court or or her parents or legal guardians, and to have legal other competent, independent and impartial authority, or other appropriate assistance in the preparation and to a prompt decision on any such action. and presentation of his or her defence; iii. To have the matter determined without delay by Article 38 a competent, independent and impartial authority 1. States Parties undertake to respect and to ensure respect for or judicial body in a fair hearing according to law, rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in in the presence of legal or other appropriate assist- armed confl icts which are relevant to the child. ance and, unless it is considered not to be in the 2. States Parties shall take all feasible measures to ensure that per- best interest of the child, in particular, taking into sons who have not attained the age of fi fteen years do not take a account his or her age or situation, his or her par- direct part in hostilities. ents or legal guardians; 3. States Parties shall refrain from recruiting any person who has iv. Not to be compelled to give testimony or to confess not attained the age of fi fteen years into their armed forces. guilt; to examine or have examined adverse wit- In recruiting among those persons who have attained the age nesses and to obtain the participation and exam- of fi fteen years but who have not attained the age of eighteen ination of witnesses on his or her behalf under years, States Parties shall endeavour to give priority to those conditions of equality; who are oldest. v. If considered to have infringed the penal law, to 4. In accordance with their obligations under international human- have this decision and any measures imposed in itarian law to protect the civilian population in armed confl icts, consequence thereof reviewed by a higher compe- States Parties shall take all feasible measures to ensure protec- tent, independent and impartial authority or judi- tion and care of children who are aff ected by an armed confl ict. cial body according to law; vi. To have the free assistance of an interpreter if the Article 39 child cannot understand or speak the language used; States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote phys- vii.To have his or her privacy fully respected at all ical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child stages of the proceedings. victim of: any form of neglect, exploitation, or abuse; torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punish- 3. States Parties shall seek to promote the establishment of laws, ment; or armed confl icts. Such recovery and reintegration shall take procedures, authorities and institutions specifi cally applica- place in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and ble to children alleged as, accused of, or recognized as having dignity of the child. infringed the penal law, and, in particular: a. Th e establishment of a minimum age below which chil- Article 40 dren shall be presumed not to have the capacity to infringe the penal law; 1. States Parties recognize the right of every child alleged as, accused b. Whenever appropriate and desirable, measures for deal- of, or recognized as having infringed the penal law to be treated ing with such children without resorting to judicial in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense proceedings, providing that human rights and legal safe- of dignity and worth, which reinforces the child’s respect for the guards are fully respected. 4. A variety of dispositions, human rights and fundamental freedoms of others and which such as care, guidance and supervision orders; counsel- takes into account the child’s age and the desirability of promot- ling; probation; foster care; education and vocational ing the child’s reintegration and the child’s assuming a construc- training programmes and other alternatives to institu- tive role in society. tional care shall be available to ensure that children are 2. To this end, and having regard to the relevant provisions of dealt with in a manner appropriate to their well-being international instruments, States Parties shall, in particular, and proportionate both to their circumstances and the ensure that: o ff e n c e .

305 Article 41 7. If a member of the Committee dies or resigns or declares that for any other cause he or she can no longer perform the duties Nothing in the present Convention shall aff ect any provisions of the Committee, the State Party which nominated the mem- which are more conducive to the realization of the rights of the ber shall appoint another expert from among its nationals to child and which may be contained in: serve for the remainder of the term, subject to the approval of a. Th e law of a State party; or the Committee. b. International law in force for that State. 8. Th e Committee shall establish its own rules of procedure. 9. Th e Committee shall elect its offi cers for a period of two years. 10. Th e meetings of the Committee shall normally be held at United PART II Nations Headquarters or at any other convenient place as determined by the Committee. Th e Committee shall normally meet Article 42 annually. Th e duration of the meetings of the Committee shall States Parties undertake to make the principles and provisions of be determined, and reviewed, if necessary, by a meeting of the the Convention widely known, by appropriate and active means, to States Parties to the present Convention, subject to the approval adults and children alike. of the General Assembly. 11. Th e Secretary-General of the United Nations shall provide the Article 43 necessary staff and facilities for the eff ective performance of 1. For the purpose of examining the progress made by States Par- the functions of the Committee under the present Convention. ties in achieving the realization of the obligations undertaken 12. With the approval of the General Assembly, the members of in the present Convention, there shall be established a Commit- the Committee established under the present Convention shall tee on the Rights of the Child, which shall carry out the func- receive emoluments from United Nations resources on such tions hereinafter provided. terms and conditions as the Assembly may decide. 2. Th e Committee shall consist of ten experts of high moral stand- Article 44 ing and recognized competence in the fi eld covered by this Con- vention. Th e members of the Committee shall be elected by States 1. States Parties undertake to submit to the Committee, through the Parties from among their nationals and shall serve in their per- Secretary-General of the United Nations, reports on the measures sonal capacity, consideration being given to equitable geographi- they have adopted which give eff ect to the rights recognized herein cal distribution, as well as to the principal legal systems. and on the progress made on the enjoyment of those rights 3. Th e members of the Committee shall be elected by secret ballot a. Within two years of the entry into force of the Conven- from a list of persons nominated by States Parties. Each State tion for the State Party concerned; Party may nominate one person from among its own nationals. b. Th ereafter every fi ve years. 4. Th e initial election to the Committee shall be held no later 2. Reports made under the present article shall indicate factors than six months after the date of the entry into force of the and diffi culties, if any, aff ecting the degree of fulfi lment of the present Convention and thereafter every second year. At least obligations under the present Convention. Reports shall also four months before the date of each election, the Secretary- contain suffi cient information to provide the Committee with General of the United Nations shall address a letter to States a comprehensive understanding of the implementation of the Parties inviting them to submit their nominations within two Convention in the country concerned. months. Th e Secretary-General shall subsequently prepare a list 3. A State Party which has submitted a comprehensive initial in alphabetical order of all persons thus nominated, indicating report to the Committee need not, in its subsequent reports States Parties which have nominated them, and shall submit it submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 (b) of the present to the States Parties to the present Convention. article, repeat basic information previously provided. 5. Th e elections shall be held at meetings of States Parties con- 4. Th e Committee may request from States Parties further infor- vened by the Secretary-General at United Nations Headquar- mation relevant to the implementation of the Convention. ters. At those meetings, for which two thirds of States Parties 5. Th e Committee shall submit to the General Assembly, through shall constitute a quorum, the persons elected to the Commit- the Economic and Social Council, every two years, reports on tee shall be those who obtain the largest number of votes and its activities. an absolute majority of the votes of the representatives of States 6. States Parties shall make their reports widely available to the Parties present and voting. public in their own countries. 6. Th e members of the Committee shall be elected for a term of four years. Th ey shall be eligible for re-election if renominated. Article 45 Th e term of fi ve of the members elected at the fi rst election shall In order to foster the eff ective implementation of the Convention expire at the end of two years; immediately after the fi rst elec- and to encourage international cooperation in the fi eld covered by tion, the names of these fi ve members shall be chosen by lot by the Convention: the Chairman of the meeting.

306 a. Th e specialized agencies, the United Nations Children’s 2. For each State ratifying or acceding to the Convention after the Fund, and other United Nations organs shall be entitled deposit of the twentieth instrument of ratifi cation or accession, to be represented at the consideration of the implemen- the Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the tation of such provisions of the present Convention as deposit by such State of its instrument of ratifi cation or accession. fall within the scope of their mandate. Th e Committee Article 50 may invite the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children’s Fund and other competent bodies as it may 1. Any State Party may propose an amendment and fi le it with the consider appropriate to provide expert advice on the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Th e Secretary-Gen- implementation of the Convention in areas falling within eral shall thereupon communicate the proposed amendment to the scope of their respective mandates. Th e Committee States Parties, with a request that they indicate whether they may invite the specialized agencies, the favour a conference of States Parties for the purpose of considering and voting upon the proposals. In the event that, within b. United Nations Children’s Fund, and other United four months from the date of such communication, at least one Nations organs to submit reports on the implementa- third of the States Parties favour such a conference, the Secre- tion of the Convention in areas falling within the scope tary-General shall convene the conference under the auspices of of their activities; the United Nations. Any amendment adopted by a majority of c. Th e Committee shall transmit, as it may consider appro- States Parties present and voting at the conference shall be priate, to the specialized agencies, the United Nations 2. submitted to the General Assembly for approval. Children’s Fund and other competent bodies, any reports from States Parties that contain a request, or indicate a 3. An amendment adopted in accordance with paragraph 1 of the need, for technical advice or assistance, along with the present article shall enter into force when it has been approved Committee’s observations and suggestions, if any, on by the General Assembly of the United Nations and accepted by these requests or indications; a twothirds majority of States Parties. d. Th e Committee may recommend to the General Assem- 4. When an amendment enters into force, it shall be binding on bly to request the Secretary-General to undertake on its those States Parties which have accepted it, other States Parties behalf studies on specifi c issues relating to the rights of still being bound by the provisions of the present Convention the child; and any earlier amendments which they have accepted. e. Th e Committee may make suggestions and general rec- Article 51 ommendations based on information received pur- 1. Th e Secretary-General of the United Nations shall receive and suant to articles 44 and 45 of the present Convention. circulate to all States the text of reservations made by States at Such suggestions and general recommendations shall be the time of ratifi cation or accession. transmitted to any State Party concerned and reported 2. A reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the to the General Assembly, together with comments, if any, present Convention shall not be permitted. from States Parties. 3. Reservations may be withdrawn at any time by notifi cation to that eff ect addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who shall then inform all States. Such notifi cation PART III shall take eff ect on the date on which it is received by the Sec- retary-General Article 46 Article 52 Th e present Convention shall be open for signature by all States. A State Party may denounce the present Convention by writ- Article 47 ten notifi cation to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Th e present Convention is subject to ratifi cation. Instruments of Denunciation becomes eff ective one year after the date of receipt of ratifi cation shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the the notifi cation by the Secretary-General. United Nations. Article 53 Article 48 Th e Secretary-General of the United Nations is designated as the Th e present Convention shall remain open for accession by any depositary of the present Convention. State. Th e instruments of accession shall be deposited with the Sec- Article 54 retary-General of the United Nations. Th e original of the present Convention, of which the Arabic, Chi- Article 49 nese, English, French, Russian and Spanish texts are equally 1. Th e present Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the day following the date of deposit with the Secretary-General of United Nations. IN WITNESS THEREOF the undersigned plenipo- the United Nations of the twentieth instrument of ratifi cation tentiaries, being duly authorized thereto by their respective gov- or accession. ernments, have signed the present Convention.

307 Human Rights Glossary

Note: Terms in this glossary are found in bold in the text of COMPASITO .

Affi rmative action: Action taken by a government or pri- Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial vate institution to make up for past discrimination in educa- Discrimination (Race Convention, CERD) (Adopted 1965; tion or employment. entered into force 1969): Convention defi ning and prohibiting discrimination based on race. African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (African Charter): A Regional human rights treaty for the African con- Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the tinent adopted by the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) in Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention, 1951) (Adopted 1981. 1948; entered into force 1951) : International convention defi ning and prohibiting genocide; the fi rst international American Convention on Human Rights (American Con- treaty of the United Nations. vention): A human rights treaty adopted by the Organisation for American States (OAS) in 1969. It covers North, Central Convention on the Rights of the Child (Children’s Con- and South America. vention, CRC) (adopted 1989; entered into force 1990): Convention setting forth a full spectrum of civil, cultural, Codifi cation, Codify: Th e process of formalizing law or economic, social, and political rights for children. rights into written instruments. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Collective rights: Th e rights of groups to protect their inter- (CRPD) (adopted 2006): the fi rst contention affi rming the ests and identities; sometimes referred to as ‘third genera- human rights of people with disabilities of any kind, includ- tion rights’. ing physical and psycho-social.

Covenant: Binding agreement between states; used syno- Council of Europe: Th e Council of Europe, founded in 1949, nymously with convention and treaty. Th e major interna- is the fi rst European intergovernmental organisation. Today tional human rights covenants, both passed in 1966, are its 48 members states cover virtually the entire continent the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of Europe. It seeks to develop common democratic and legal (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, principles based on the European Convention on Human Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Both were adopted Rights. in 1966 and entered into force in 1976. Declaration: Document stating agreed upon principles and Convention: Binding agreement between states; used syn- standards but which is not legally binding. UN conferences, onymously with treaty and Covenant. A convention is like the 1993 UN Conference on Human Rights in Vienna stronger than a declaration because it is legally binding for and the 1995 World Conference for Women in Beijing, usu- governments that have ratifi ed it. When, for example, the ally produce two sets of declarations: one written by gov- UN General Assembly adopts a convention, it creates inter- ernment representatives and one by nongovernmental national norms and standards. Once the UN General Assem- organisations (NGOs). Th e UN General Assembly often bly adopts a convention, Member States can then ratify the issues infl uential but legally non-binding declarations. convention, turning it into international law. Declaration on the Rights of the Child: Adopted by the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrim- General Assembly in 1959, this non-binding instrument sets ination Against Women (Women’s Convention, CEDAW) forth ten general principles, which later formed the basis for (adopted 1979; entered into force 1981): Th e fi rst legally the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which binding international document prohibiting discrimination was adopted in 1989. against women and obligating governments to take affi rmative action to advance the equality of women.

308 Entering into force: the process through which a treaty Formal education: the structured education system that becomes fully binding on the states that have ratifi ed it. Th is runs from primary school to university and includes special- happens when the minimum number of ratifi cations called ized programmes for technical and professional training. for by the treaty has been achieved. Gender: A social construct that informs roles, attitudes, val- European Convention for the Prevention of Torture: A ues and relationships regarding women and men. While sex regional human rights treaty adopted in 1987 by the Coun- is determined by biology, gender is determined by society, cil of Europe that aims to prevent various violations against almost always functioning to subordinate women to men. people who are detained by a public authority in places like prisons, juvenile detention centres, police stations, refugee Geneva Conventions: Four treaties adopted in 1949 under camps or psychiatric hospitals. the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Th ese treaties revise and expanded European Convention for the Protection of Human original treaties adopted in 1864 and 1929. Th ey address the Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (European Conven- treatment of sick and wounded soldiers and sailors, prisoners tion, European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR): A of war and civilians under enemy control. regional human rights treaty adopted in 1950 by the Coun- cil of Europe. All Council of Europe member states are party Genocide: Acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole to the ECHR, and new members are expected to ratify the or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. convention at the earliest opportunity. Humanitarian law: the body of law, mainly based on the European Cultural Convention: (Adopted by the Coun- Geneva Conventions, that protects certain persons in times cil of Europe, 1954; entered into force 1955): A regional of armed confl ict, helps victims and limits the methods and treaty that provides the offi cial framework for the Council means of combat in order to minimize destruction, loss of of Europe’s work on education, culture, heritage, youth and life and unnecessary human suff ering. sport. A complement to the European Convention, the Cul- tural Convention seeks to safeguard European culture and to Human rights framework: Th e evolving and interrelated develop mutual understanding and the appreciation of cul- body of international instruments that defi ne human rights tural diversity among its various peoples. and establish mechanisms to promote and protect them.

European Social Charter (Adopted by the Council of Human rights instruments: any formal, written document Europe 1962; revised 1996): A regional treaty that guaran- of a state or states that sets forth rights as non-binding prin- tees social and economic human rights; it complements the ciples (a declaration) or codiﬁ es rights that are legally bind- European Convention, which principally addresses civil ing on those states that ratify them (a covenant, treaty, or and political rights. convention).

Evolving capacity: A principle used in the Convention on Inalienable: Refers to rights that belong to every person and the Rights of the Child (CRC) that recommends greater cannot be taken from a person under any circumstances. exercise of a child’s rights in relation to his or her growing Indivisible: Refers to the equal importance of each human cognitive and emotional maturity. rights law. A person cannot be denied a human right on the First-generation rights: a term referring to all civil and grounds that it is ‘less important’ or ‘non-essential’. political human rights such as voting, expression, religion, Informal education: Th e lifelong process whereby every assembly, fair trials, and life. Th e International Covenant individual acquires attitudes, values, skills and knowledge on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) principally codiﬁ es from the educational infl uences and resources in his or her these rights. Because the term suggests a hierarchy of civil own environment and from daily experience (e.g. with fam- and political rights over second generation rights, or eco- ily and neighbours, in the marketplace and library, from the nomic and social rights, it is increasingly falling from use. mass media and play).

309 Interdependent: Refers to the complementary framework national, the Scouts); others may be small and local (e.g. an of human rights law. For example, your ability to partici- organisation to advocate for people with disabilities in a par- pate in your government is directly aﬀ ected by your right to ticular city; a coalition to promote women’s rights in one ref- express yourself, to get an education and even to obtain the ugee camp). NGOs play a major role in infl uencing UN policy, necessities of life. and many have oﬃ cial consultative status at the UN.

Intergovernmental organisations (IGOs): Organisations Optional Protocol: A treaty that modifi es another treaty sponsored by several governments that seek to coordinate (e.g. adding additional procedures or provisions). It is called their eff orts; some are regional (e.g. the Council of Europe, ‘optional’ because a government that has ratifi ed the original the Organisation of African Unity), some are alliances (e.g. treaty can choose whether or not to ratify the changes made the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO); and some in the protocol. are dedicated to a specifi c purpose (e.g. the World Health Organisation [WHO] and Th e United Nations Education, Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Scientifi c and Cultural Organisation [UNESCO]). Armed Confl ict: 2000 Amendment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) that raises the minimum age International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights for participation in armed confl ict from the original fi fteen (ICCPR)(Adopted1966, and entered into force 1976): Th e to eighteen years. ICCPR declares that all people have a broad range of civil and political rights and sets up ways to monitor their respect by Positive discrimination: See affi rmative action. the member states. Ratifi cation, Ratify: Process by which the legislative body International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cul- of a state confi rms a government’s action in signing a treaty; tural Rights (ICESCR) (Adopted 1966, and entered into formal procedure by which a state becomes bound to a treaty force 1976): Th e ICESCR declares that all people have a broad after acceptance. range of economic, social and cultural rights. Reservation: Th e exceptions that States Parties make to a International Labour Organisation (ILO): Established in treaty (e.g. provisions that they do not agree to follow). Res- 1919 as part of the Versailles Peace Treaty, the ILO became ervations, however, may not undermine the fundamental a specialized agency of the UN in 1946. Under its mandate meaning of the treaty. to improve working conditions and promote social justice, the ILO has passed a number of conventions pertaining to Second-generation rights: a term referring to economic, the human rights of children, especially concerning child social and cultural rights, such as an adequate standard of liv- labour. ing, health care, housing and education. Th e International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights prin- Member States: Countries that are members an intergov- cipally codifi es these rights. Because the term suggests a ernmental organisations (e.g. the United Nations, the hierarchy of civil and political rights over economic and Council of Europe). social rights, it is increasingly falling from usage.

Non-formal education: Any planned programme of per- Shadow report: An unoﬃ cial report prepared by institutes sonal and social education outside the formal education cur- or individuals representing civil society submitted to a com- riculum that is designed to improve a range of knowledge, mittee monitoring a human rights treaty. Such reports skills and competencies. usually contradict or add to the oﬃ cial report on treaty com- pliance and implementation submitted by a government as Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs): Organisations part of its treaty obligations. formed by people outside of government. NGOs monitor the proceedings of human rights bodies such as the Human Solidarity rights: See collective rights. Rights Council of the United Nations and are the ‘watchdogs’ of the human rights that fall within their mandate. Some are Special Rapporteur: A person chosen by a UN human rights large and international (e.g. the Red Cross, Amnesty Inter- body to report on a particular theme (e.g. on the sale of chil-

310 dren, child prostitution and child pornography; on violence Universality: A principle that all human rights are held by against women) or on the human rights situation in a partic- all persons in all states and societies in the world. ular country. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Universal Decla- Stereotype: An oversimplifi ed, generalised and often uncon- ration, UDHR): Adopted by the general assembly on Decem- scious preconception about people or ideas that may lead to ber 10, 1948. Primary UN document establishing human prejudice and discrimination. rights standards and norms. All member states have agreed to uphold the UDHR. Although the declaration was intended ird generation rights: See collective rights. to be non-binding, through time its various provisions have become so widely recognized that it can now be said to be Treaty: Formal agreement between states that defi nes and customary international law. modifi es their mutual duties and obligations; used syno- nymously with convention and covenant. When Member World Health Organisation (WHO): an intergovernmen- States ratify a treaty that has been adopted by the UN Gen- tal organisation under the auspices of the United Nations eral Assembly, the articles of that treaty become part of its that works to promote health worldwide. domestic legal obligations. Xenophobia: A fear of foreigners, of persons from other UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund): Mandated by countries or of things foreign generally. Xenophobia can lead the United Nations General Assembly, UNICEF advocates for to discrimination, racism, violence and even armed confl ict the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic against foreigners. needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish it as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.

311 Useful Resources

Note: The following provide general information on the children’s rights. This is not, however, a comprehensive list. See Chapter V., Selected Human Rights Themes, for resources on speciﬁ c topics.

Action Aid: www.actionaid.org Amnesty International: http://web.amnesty.org Bernard van Leer Foundation (BVLF): www.bernardvanleer.org Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers (CSC): www.child-soldiers.org Child Rights Information Network (CRIN): www.crin.org . Children as Partners Alliance: www.crin.org/childrenaspartners/ . Focal Point on Sexual Exploitation of Children: www.crin.org/organisations/vieworg.asp?id=725 . NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child: www.crin.org/NGOGroupforCRC Children’s House: http://child-abuse.com/childhouse/ Clearinghouse on International Developments in Child, Youth and Family Policies: www.childpolicyintl.org Childnet International: www.childnet-int.org Child Soldiers: www.childsoldiers.org/home/ Child Workers in Asia (CWA): www.cwa.tnet.co.th Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers: www.child-soldiers.org Compendium of Good Practises in Human Rights Education: www.hrea.org/compendium Council of Europe: www.coe.int . Building Europe with and for Children: www.coe.int/children . Directorate of Youth and Sport: www.coe.int/youth . Education for Democratic Citizenship: www.coe.int/t/dg4/education/edc/default_EN.asp? . Human Rights Education Youth Resources: www.coe.int/compass Concerned for Working Children (CWC): www.workingchild.org Defence for Children International (DCI): www.dci-is.org Enabling Education Network: www.eenet.org.uk/ Eurobarometer: www.gesis.org/en/data_service/eurobarometer/ Euronet, Th e European Children’s Network: www.europeanchildrensnetwork.org European Forum for Child Welfare: www.efcw.org End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Traﬃ cking of Children for Sexual Purposes: www.ecpat.net Handicap International: www.handicap-international.org/index.html Human Rights Education Associates: www.hrea.org/ Human Rights Internet: www.hri.ca/children/Th ematicIndex.shtml Human Rights Information and Documentation System: www.huridocs.org/ Human Rights Watch: http://hrw.org Human Rights Web: www.hrweb.org Institute for Research on Working Children (IREWOC): www.childlabour.net International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE): www.bice.org International Labour Organization, International Programme for the

312 Elimination of Child Labour (ILO-IPEC): www.ilo.org International Federation Terre des Hommes (IFTDH): www.terredeshommes.org International Clearinghouse on Children, Youth and Media: www.nordicom.gu.se/clearinghouse.php Media Wise Trust: www.mediawise.org.uk Minority Rights Group International (MRG): www.minorityrights.org Ombudsman for Children in Norway: www.barneombudet.no Open Society Institute: www.osi.hu/ Organisation Mondiale Contre la Torture (OMCT): www.omct.org Oxfam International Secretariat: www.oxfaminternational.org People’s Movement for Human Rights Education: www.pdhre.org/ Plan International Website: www.plan-international.org Right to Education Project: www.right-to-education.org Safe On Line Outreach (SOLO): www.safeonlineoutreach.com Save the Children Alliance: www.savethechildren.net . Save the Children Europe Group: www.savethechildren.net/alliance/where_we_work/europegrp_who.html . Save the Children Norway: www.reddbarna.no . Save the Children Sweden www.rb.se . Save the Children UK (SCUK): www.savethechildren.org.uk South East European Child Rights Network (SEECRAN): www.seecran.org Understanding Children’s Work: www.ucw-project.org UNICEF: www.unicef.org . UNICEF CEE/CIS and Baltics Regional Website: www.unicef.org/programme/highlights/cee . UNICEF Child traffi cking Research Hub: www.childtraffi cking.org/ . UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre: www.unicef-icdc.org . UNICEF Magic: www.unicef.org/magic/ . UNICEF Voices of Youth: www.unicef.org/voy/ . UNICEF Young People’s Media Network: http://ypmn.blogspot.com/2006_07_23_archive.html United Nations . UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: http://193.194.138.190/html/menu2/6/crc/ . UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD): www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/index.htm . UN CyberSchoolbus Global Teaching and Learing Project: http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/ . UN Offi ce of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: www.unhchr.ch . UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography: www.ohchr.org/english/issues/children/rapporteur/index.htm War Child: www.warchild.org World Bank: . Europe and Central Asia: http://lnweb18.worldbank.org/eca/eca.nsf . World Bank Youthink!: www.worldbank.org/html/schools/ . World Bank Group Global Child Labour Programme: World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/en/ World Vision International (WVI) Website: www.wvi.org/home.shtml

313 Status of Ratiﬁ cation of Major International Human Rights Instruments

UNITED NATIONS COUNCIL OF EUROPE European Convention for the International Prevention of Covenant on International European European Torture and Economic, Covenant Convention European Social Inhuman or Social and on Civil and Convention on Human Social Charter Degrading Cultural Rights Political Rights on Rights of Rights Charter Revised Treatment or COUNTRIES – CESCR – CCPR the Child – ECHR – ESC – ESCR Punishment Status at 19.04.2007 19.04.2007 03.06.2005 27.02.2006 15.06.2006 02.07.2007 27.02.2006 Entry into force 03.01.1976 23.03.1976 02.09.1990 03.09.1953 26.02.1965 01.07.1999 01.02.1989 Albania       Andorra      Armenia       Austria       Azerbaijan       Belarus    Belgium        Bosnia and      Herzegovina Bulgaria       Croatia       Cyprus        Czech Republic       Denmark       Estonia       Finland        France        Georgia       Germany       Greece       Hungary       Iceland       Ireland        Italy        Latvia       Liechtenstein      Lithuania       Luxembourg       Malta        Moldova       Monaco      Montenegro      Netherlands        Norway        Poland       Portugal        Romania      

314 UNITED NATIONS COUNCIL OF EUROPE European Convention for the International Prevention of Covenant on International European European Torture and Economic, Covenant Convention European Social Inhuman or Social and on Civil and Convention on Human Social Charter Degrading Cultural Rights Political Rights on Rights of Rights Charter Revised Treatment or COUNTRIES – CESCR – CCPR the Child – ECHR – ESC – ESCR Punishment Status at 19.04.2007 19.04.2007 03.06.2005 27.02.2006 15.06.2006 02.07.2007 27.02.2006 Entry into force 03.01.1976 23.03.1976 02.09.1990 03.09.1953 26.02.1965 01.07.1999 01.02.1989 Russian      Federation San Marino      Serbia      Slovakia       Slovenia       Spain       Sweden        Switzerland      “the Former Yugoslav       Republic of Macedonia” Turkey       Ukraine       United       Kingdom

315