Rights under the Children’s Convention
You have the right to have your views heard, considered and taken seriously in a way that is appropriate given your age and ability, especially when decisions are being made that affect you.
You should also be given the information that you need to make good decisions.
The Government and decision makers should ensure that they seek your views and take them seriously when making decisions.
You have the right to express yourself and think for yourself as long as you don’t hurt anyone. You have the right to your own religion and beliefs.
This includes your right to find out and share information.
The Government should respect your parents or guardian’s role in this.
The Government should also make sure that disabled children and young people have information presented in a way that they can read, access and respond to.
You have the right to be informed. This means having access to information that you can understand, trust and that’s important for you to know. The media has an important role to play in this and should not promote information that could harm you.
If you are placed in foster care then you have the right to have your living arrangements regularly checked to make sure that they are working out well for you.
The government should ensure that your living arrangements are regularly checked.
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.
You have the right to be safe from all forms of abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, war, drugs and the drug trade, kidnapping, torture, cruel and harmful punishment.
You should not be placed in prison or detained except as a last resort. You should not be placed in prison or detained with adults unless it’s in your best interests.
The Government should put in place measures to reduce the harm to you if these things do happen to you.
The Government must also do everything it can to help children and young people who have suffered from any of these things.