Understanding Children's Rights

A brief outline of children’s rights and how War Child strive to protect them.

What is a child?

In the UK, a child is defined as anyone who is under the age of 18 as recognised under the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). War Child protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children and young people living through conflict.

What are children's rights?

Shockingly, prioritising children's rights is a modern phenomenon. In the past, children were seen as young adults and had no special protections in place. The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was adopted in 1989 and came into effect in the UK in 1992. This convention consists of 54 articles covering the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that seek to protect children and ensure their well-being. Some of these rights include:

Protection from violence, abuse and neglect

An education that enables children to fulfil their potential

Non-discrimination

Right to a childhood

Right to life, survival and development

Since the UNCRC was written, three further protocols have been added to protect children, yet they are not all legally binding. These protocols consist of:

The Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. This means that a child cannot partake in conflict or join an armed group until they are 18.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the sale of children and child sexual exploitation. This protects children from abuse, exploitation and sexual abuse. Children are not allowed to be sold or forced to partake in labour.

The Optional Protocol on a communications procedure. This exists as a way for children to be heard, and enable them to report incidents in a safe and protective environment.

Learn more

History of Children's Rights

1924

The League of Nations adopts the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child, drafted by Eglantyne Jebb.

1946

The United Nations General Assembly establishes the International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, with an emphasis on children throughout the world.

1948

The United Nations General Assembly passes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, where it mentions children needing ‘special care and assistance’ and ‘social protection’.

1966

With the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, United Nations Member States promise to uphold equal rights – including education and protection – for all children.

1973

The International Labour Organization adopts Convention 138, which sets 18 as the minimum age for undertaking work that might be hazardous to a person’s health, safety or morals.

1974

Concerned about the vulnerability of women and children in emergency and conflict situations, the General Assembly calls on Member States to observe the Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict.

1979

To mark the twentieth anniversary of the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child, the United Nations General Assembly declares 1979 as the International Year of the Child, in which UNICEF plays a leading role.

1989

The Conventions on the Rights of the Child was created.

Children’s rights issues today

Despite 196 countries signing up to the UNCRC, many children continue to have their rights violated and fail to be protected. Millions of children around the world continue to suffer violations of their basic rights, denied adequate support, protection, and education. Some children continue to have no childhood and are forced into armed groups and marriages, with no access to education, and are forced to work in dangerous conditions despite their age.

How War Child is protecting children’s rights?

At War Child, we aim to ensure that no child's life is torn apart by war. To do this, we are committed to working with the UN and governments around the world to champion children's rights and advocate for a global commitment to the UNCRC. War Child is doing all it can to be there for children living in war zones by setting up spaces to provide education, food, shelter and legal documentation, as well as ensure children are given the psychological support they need. Our work specialises in supporting children associated with armed forces and groups by providing the necessary tools and pathways to reintegrate children back into communities to be children again.

Being a force for good 2023

A report on the recruitment of girls and boys by armed forces and armed groups – and their use in hostilities – is one of the most egregious violations against children in armed conflict.