The convention on the rights of the child

This Convention is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and obligations. These basic standards, or human rights, set minimum entitlements and freedoms that should be respected by governments. The four core principles of the Convention are non-discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the views of the child. The Convention protects children's rights by setting standards in health care; education; and legal, civil and social services. It stipulates that children everywhere have: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. By agreeing to undertake the obligations of the Convention (by ratifying or acceding to it), national governments have committed themselves to protecting and ensuring children's rights and they have agreed to hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the international community