Children’s human rights

A child’s rights are protected by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - or UNCRC. This piece of international law outlines the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world; these are based on what we need to live safe, healthy and happy lives.

You have human rights no matter where you are from, how old you are, what you believe, or how you choose to live your life. Your rights cannot be taken away from you, and adults must respect and protect these rights when they plan services, make policies and make decisions.

As a child or young person, you are protected by additional rights because you may need extra support, protection and care growing up.

A child has all of the rights in the UNCRC until they are 18 years old, but children’s rights do not replace parents’ and carers’ rights to be involved in decisions.

As a child, what are my rights?

  • Respect & Justice

    I have the right to be free from discrimination in how the rest of my human rights are protected (Article 2).

    Adults should think about my best interests when making decisions that will impact me (Article 3).

    I have the right to a name and to belong to a country (Article 7).

    I have the right to my own identity (Article 8).

    I have the right to keep some things private (Article 16).

    If I am accused of breaking the law, I have the right to legal help and to be treated fairly (Article 40).

  • Family

    I have the right to get advice and guidance from my family (Article 5).

    I have the right to live with my family if that's what is best for me (Article 9).

    I have the right to stay in contact with my family if they live in a different country (Article 10).

    I have the right to the best care if I'm adopted (Article 21).

    My family should get the support and money needed to raise me (Article 26).

    I have the right to speak my own language and follow my family's culture and religion (Article 30).

  • Health & Wellbeing

    I have the right to live and grow up well (Article 6).

    I have the right to food, clothing and a safe home (Article 27).

    If I'm disabled, I have the right to special care and education (Article 23).

    I have the right to good quality health care and information about my health (Article 24).

    I have the right to get help and recover if I've gone through something difficult (Article 39).

  • Safety

    I should be protected from being hurt or treated badly (Article 19).

    I have the right to special help and protection if I can't live with my family (Article 20).

    I should be protected from any form of exploitation (Article 36).

    I shouldn't be punished in a cruel or hurtful way (Article 37).

  • Learning & Play

    I have the right to an education (Article 28).

    My education should develop my interests and talents and my respect for other people and our environment (Article 29).

    I have the right to relax, play and take part in cultural activities (Article 31).

    I have the right to meet up with friends and join groups (Article 15).

  • Thoughts & Ideas

    I have the right to share my experiences, opinions and ideas and be taken seriously (Article 12).

    I have the right to express myself (Article 13).

    I have the right to my own thoughts, beliefs and religion (Article 14).

    I have the right to get information, as long as it's safe (Article 17).

Are these all of my rights?

No, this page does not list all of the rights and legal protections you are entitled to. You are also protected by additional Articles of the UNCRC and other legal documents.

In Scotland, Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is Scottish Government’s commitment to provide all children, young people and their families with the right support at the right time.

It’s to ensure all children and young people to live in an equal society that enables them to flourish, to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect, and to have their rights always upheld.

You can read more about your rights and protections on the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland website.

What should I do if my rights are breached?

You can get help and support from a range of services to help you raise a complaint about your rights not being respected, some of these are listed on the Children 1st website.

You can also get advice from the organisations listed on our website.

How are you protected under the law?