A global commitment to protect children’s rights
Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international Convention adopted by the United Nations in 1989, establishing the fundamental rights of children, defined as individuals under the age of 18. It covers a wide range of important rights, such as the right to life, education, health, protection from abuse, and the chance to have a say in decisions that affect their lives.
The adoption of the Optional Protocols to the CRC, particularly the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict in 2000 further strengthens global efforts to protect children from exploitation and violence, aligning with the broader human rights and humanitarian goals of the CRC.
This legally binding Convention has been almost universally ratified, making the most widely accepted international treaty.
How do the six grave violations link to the CRC?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda are closely linked through their shared commitment to protecting children from the devastating impacts of conflict, and particularly from six grave violations that were identified as the most egregious and widespread forms of abuse that children endure during armed conflicts.
1 Recruitment & use of children
During wars, children are often forced to join in the fighting or do dangerous things. They might be asked to carry supplies, watch for danger, or even use weapons. No child should ever be part of war, but many are victims, witnesses or forced participants.
Despite Article 38 of the CRC, the Optional Protocol provides additional protections, stating that children under the age of 18 should not be recruited by armed forces or armed groups.
A child is any person under the age of 18.
Children have the right to be protected during war. No child under 15 can join the army or take part in war.
1 Recruitment & use of children
During wars, children are often forced to join in the fighting or do dangerous things. They might be asked to carry supplies, watch for danger, or even use weapons. No child should ever be part of war, but many are victims, witnesses or forced participants.
Despite Article 38 of the CRC, the Optional Protocol provides additional protections, stating that children under the age of 18 should not be recruited by armed forces or armed groups.
A child is any person under the age of 18.
Children have the right to be protected during war. No child under 15 can join the army or take part in war.
2 Killing & maiming of children
Every year, thousands of children are injured and killed because of war. Many are also harmed by unexploded weapons and landmines. Children carry the mental and physical scars of these events for the rest of their lives.
Every child has the right to be alive. Governments must make sure that children survive and develop in the best possible way.
Children who are accused of breaking the law should not be killed, tortured, treated cruelly, put in prison forever, or put in prison with adults. Prison should always be the last choice and only for the shortest possible time. Children in prison should have legal help and be able to stay in contact with their family.
2 Killing & maiming of children
Every year, thousands of children are injured and killed because of war. Many are also harmed by unexploded weapons and landmines. Children carry the mental and physical scars of these events for the rest of their lives.
Every child has the right to be alive. Governments must make sure that children survive and develop in the best possible way.
Children who are accused of breaking the law should not be killed, tortured, treated cruelly, put in prison forever, or put in prison with adults. Prison should always be the last choice and only for the shortest possible time. Children in prison should have legal help and be able to stay in contact with their family.
3 Sexual violence against children
During wars, children are often victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence, including forced marriage.
The government should protect children from sexual exploitation (being taken advantage of) and sexual abuse, including by people forcing children to have sex for money, or making sexual pictures or films of them.
Children who are accused of breaking the law should not be killed, tortured, treated cruelly, put in prison forever, or put in prison with adults. Prison should always be the last choice and only for the shortest possible time. Children in prison should have legal help and be able to stay in contact with their family.
3 Sexual violence against children
During wars, children are often victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence, including forced marriage.
The government should protect children from sexual exploitation (being taken advantage of) and sexual abuse, including by people forcing children to have sex for money, or making sexual pictures or films of them.
Children who are accused of breaking the law should not be killed, tortured, treated cruelly, put in prison forever, or put in prison with adults. Prison should always be the last choice and only for the shortest possible time. Children in prison should have legal help and be able to stay in contact with their family.
4 Abduction of children
In wars, children are often taken away from their families, either temporarily or permanently, by people who want to exploit them in some way.
Governments must make sure that children are not kidnapped or sold, or taken to other countries or places to be exploited (taken advantage of).
4 Abduction of children
In wars, children are often taken away from their families, either temporarily or permanently, by people who want to exploit them in some way.
Governments must make sure that children are not kidnapped or sold, or taken to other countries or places to be exploited (taken advantage of).
5 Attacks on schools and hospitals
During wars, schools, hospitals, teachers and medical workers are often attacked.
Children have the right to the best health care possible, clean water to drink, healthy food and a clean and safe environment to live in. All adults and children should have information about how to stay safe and healthy.
Every child has the right to an education. Primary education should be free. Secondary and higher education should be available to every child. Children should be encouraged to go to school to the highest level possible. Discipline in schools should respect children’s rights and never use violence.
5 Attacks on schools and hospitals
During wars, schools, hospitals, teachers and medical workers are often attacked.
Children have the right to the best health care possible, clean water to drink, healthy food and a clean and safe environment to live in. All adults and children should have information about how to stay safe and healthy.
Every child has the right to an education. Primary education should be free. Secondary and higher education should be available to every child. Children should be encouraged to go to school to the highest level possible. Discipline in schools should respect children’s rights and never use violence.
6 Denial of humanitarian access
Children affected by war rely on aid such as food, water and medicine to survive. It is wrong to stop aid from reaching these children.
Every child has the right to be alive. Governments must make sure that children survive and develop in the best possible way.
Children have the right to food, clothing and a safe place to live so they can develop in the best possible way. The government should help families and children who cannot afford this.
6 Denial of humanitarian access
Children affected by war rely on aid such as food, water and medicine to survive. It is wrong to stop aid from reaching these children.
Every child has the right to be alive. Governments must make sure that children survive and develop in the best possible way.
Children have the right to food, clothing and a safe place to live so they can develop in the best possible way. The government should help families and children who cannot afford this.
Resources related to the protection of children during armed conflict
Paris Principles and Commitments (2007)
Guidelines for preventing the recruitment of children by armed forces and armed groups and ensuring their reintegration into society.
Safe Schools Declaration (2015)
Political commitment that aims at protecting education from attack during an armed conflict.
Vancouver principles (2017)
Political commitments that aim at preventing the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups in UN peacekeeping missions.
Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (2022)
International norms for protecting civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas in situations of armed conflict.
Child friendly CRC
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