Rights under the Children’s Convention
The Government must do everything it can to make these rights a reality for you, respect the role of your parents, guardian or family/whānau in providing you with appropriate guidance, and make sure that you can survive and develop in a healthy way.
You have the right to live with and be raised by your parents or family/whanau unless you are being harmed. You have the right to be protected from violence, abuse and neglect by your parents or caregivers.
If your parents or family/whānau can’t look after you properly, the Government must make sure that you live somewhere that is safe, where people respect you, your religion, culture and language.
You have the right to special protection and help if you’re a refugee (if you are forced to leave your home and live in a different country). You also have the same rights as other children and young people born in New Zealand.
If you are a refugee you have the right to special protection and help whether you’ve come to New Zealand with other people or not.
The government must ensure that your views and best interests are considered in the refugee status determination process.
If you have a physical, mental or intellectual disability, you have the right to reach your full potential. You and your family/whānau have the right to extra help with your education, care and participation in the community if you need it.
The government should ensure that you have access to support services to ensure that you can reach your full potential.
You have the right to financial support from the Government, especially when your family/whanau cannot provide this for you. This includes your right to food, clothing, a safe place to live, and other basics.
The Government should ensure that there are supports that you/your family/whānau can access to ensure that you have what you need.
You have the right to a good quality education that helps you develop your personality, talents and abilities to the full. You should be treated with respect and be encouraged to respect each other’s rights and values. Discipline in schools should respect your dignity.
The government should ensure that where you access education, this is done in a way that supports you to achieve.
You have the right to learn about and practice your own culture language and religion. If you are from a minority or indigenous culture you have the right to special protection from things that might stop you from being you.
The Government should recognise and respect your right to learn about and express your culture in the way that you want.
You have the right to rest, play and to be involved in things like sports, music, arts, drama and cultural activities. You also have the right not to be involved in these things.
The Government should recognise the importance of play and rest. They should also encourage and enhance access to recreation, sports and cultural spaces.