UNCRC & Children’s Rights
Human rights. People these days often groan when they hear these words. But, human rights are guarantees – in law – that protect all human beings.
As children and young people, there are also additional rights to protect us and to ensure we get the best opportunities in life. These additional rights were developed by the United Nations and are detailed in something called the UNCRC – United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Our governments are responsible for making sure we have education, information, involvement in decision-making, healthcare, a good standard of living, leisure activities, fair treatments in the criminal justice system (the courts, etc), and good things like this!
Here’s some further information on your rights as a young person:
National Services
Meic – the national helpline for children and young people (0-25 years old) in Wales – text (84001), freephone (080880 23456) or instant message for info, advice or advocacy.
Children’s Commissioner for Wales – Supports children and young people to find out about their rights under the UNCRC. Listens to children and young people to find out what’s important to them and advises those who care for them if they think they’ve been treated unfairly.
Children in Wales – Children in Wales is the national umbrella body for organisations and individuals who work with children, young people and their families in Wales.
Agenda – Agenda is a young person’s guide to making positive relationships matter. Its aim is to tackle issues like gender equality, gender based violence, and sexual harassment in schools.
ChildLine – a free 24-hour counselling helpline (by NSPCC) for children and young people up to their 19th birthday.
Samaritans – free 24-hour helpline for anyone who needs emotional support.
UNICEF – UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works to build a better world for every child. UNICEF is a multilateral child-rights organisation established by the UN
Save the Children (UK) – Save the Children works in over 100 countries, including the UK to campaign and advocate for children.
Citizens Advice Bureau – Citizens Advice gives people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
Useful Apps
Right Runner – An app game by Unicef to inspire, inform and empower children and young people on their rights.
Blogs & Guides
Children’s Commissioner For Wales | UNCRC – An easy-to-understand, brief intro to UNCRC by the person who stands up for children and young people in Wales and makes sure their rights are reality.
Citizens Advice Bureau | Children’s rights in Wales – Lots of easy-to-understand info about your children’s rights in Wales.
Save the Children | UNCRC – a good, quite detailed intro to the UNCRC.
UNICEF | What is the UNCRC? – a harder but fuller explanation of the UNCRC.
UNICEF | FACTSHEET: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child – a longer summary of all of your rights than the link above.
Children’s Commissioner For Wales | UNCRC – A list of Children’s Rights – a very easy-to-understand list of all of your rights.
Videos
Your Rights & TheSprout
You can exercise some of your rights on TheSprout (this very website!):
- Right #12 – When adults are making decisions that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account. That’s why we love sharing groups, events, surveys and consultations with which you can get involved to have your say.
- Right #13 – Children have the right to get and share information. Find info or submit your own stuff!
- Right #17 – Children have the right to get information that is important to their health and well-being. Check out our Your Body, Sexual Health, Mental Health, and Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking info pages. Children have the right to honest information from newspapers and television that they can understand.
Funding Partners
