What is… the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
Every person is entitled to their human rights – that includes children!
In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a worldwide treaty that recognises the human rights of children (persons under the age of 18). This treaty is ratified by 196 countries, including Malaysia.
The CRC has 42 articles which set out the rights children have. For example:
Article 12
A child has the right to express their views freely in all matters that affect them
Article 19
Appropriate measures should be taken to protect children from violence, injury, abuse, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation
Article 24
Children should enjoy the highest standard of health and access to healthcare
Countries that ratify the CRC use it to guide local policies. For example, the Nepal Supreme Court outlawed a practice called Kamalari which forced children into labour, while Malaysia developed a Child Protection Policy in 2009. However, protecting children isn’t just the government’s job. Private organisations can do much as well, and the CRC is a useful reference that helps them develop child protection policies and procedures.
To learn more about child rights and our work in upholding child well-being, click here.
You can also request a workshop with World Vision – contact Felicia Tan at
(603) 7800 0899 or
[email protected].
Want to play an active part in protecting the rights of children? You can join us at…
#RunForChildren Virtual Run
We invite you to make a move for child rights at #RunForChildren 2020 – a 42 minutes virtual run! Read on to find out why we’re running for 42 minutes.
Learn More Now!
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