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English>ProfessionalInterest>ConventionontheRightsoftheChild
TextinPDFFormat
ConventionontheRightsoftheChild
Adoptedandopenedforsignature,ratificationandaccessionbyGeneralAssemblyresolution
44/25of20November1989
entryintoforce2September1990,inaccordancewitharticle49
Preamble
Relatedinformation
CommitteeontheRights
oftheChild(CRC)
Statusofratification,
Reservationsand
declarations
Seealso
TheStatesPartiestothepresentConvention,
Thecoreinternational
humanrightsinstruments
Consideringthat,inaccordancewiththeprinciplesproclaimedintheCharteroftheUnitedNations,recognitionof
theinherentdignityandoftheequalandinalienablerightsofallmembersofthehumanfamilyisthefoundation
offreedom,justiceandpeaceintheworld,
Universalhumanrights
instruments
BearinginmindthatthepeoplesoftheUnitedNationshave,intheCharter,reaffirmedtheirfaithinfundamental
humanrightsandinthedignityandworthofthehumanperson,andhavedeterminedtopromotesocial
progressandbetterstandardsoflifeinlargerfreedom,
RecognizingthattheUnitedNationshas,intheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsandintheInternational
CovenantsonHumanRights,proclaimedandagreedthateveryoneisentitledtoalltherightsandfreedomsset
forththerein,withoutdistinctionofanykind,suchasrace,colour,sex,language,religion,politicalorother
opinion,nationalorsocialorigin,property,birthorotherstatus,
Recallingthat,intheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,theUnitedNationshasproclaimedthatchildhoodis
entitledtospecialcareandassistance,
Convincedthatthefamily,asthefundamentalgroupofsocietyandthenaturalenvironmentforthegrowthand
wellbeingofallitsmembersandparticularlychildren,shouldbeaffordedthenecessaryprotectionand
assistancesothatitcanfullyassumeitsresponsibilitieswithinthecommunity,
Recognizingthatthechild,forthefullandharmoniousdevelopmentofhisorherpersonality,shouldgrowupina
familyenvironment,inanatmosphereofhappiness,loveandunderstanding,
Consideringthatthechildshouldbefullypreparedtoliveanindividuallifeinsociety,andbroughtupinthespirit
oftheidealsproclaimedintheCharteroftheUnitedNations,andinparticularinthespiritofpeace,dignity,
tolerance,freedom,equalityandsolidarity,
BearinginmindthattheneedtoextendparticularcaretothechildhasbeenstatedintheGenevaDeclarationof
theRightsoftheChildof1924andintheDeclarationoftheRightsoftheChildadoptedbytheGeneralAssembly
on20November1959andrecognizedintheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,intheInternational
CovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights(inparticularinarticles23and24),intheInternationalCovenanton
Economic,SocialandCulturalRights(inparticularinarticle10)andinthestatutesandrelevantinstrumentsof
specializedagenciesandinternationalorganizationsconcernedwiththewelfareofchildren,
Bearinginmindthat,asindicatedintheDeclarationoftheRightsoftheChild,"thechild,byreasonofhis
physicalandmentalimmaturity,needsspecialsafeguardsandcare,includingappropriatelegalprotection,
beforeaswellasafterbirth",
RecallingtheprovisionsoftheDeclarationonSocialandLegalPrinciplesrelatingtotheProtectionandWelfareof
Children,withSpecialReferencetoFosterPlacementandAdoptionNationallyandInternationallytheUnited
CharteroftheUnited
Nations
TheInternationalBillof
HumanRights
UniversalDeclarationof
HumanRights1948
Links
Humanrights
conferences
Humanrightsbodies
Publications
The20thAnniversaryof
theOHCHR
VDPAbooklet(20th
anniversaryedition
PDF)
NationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(TheBeijingRules)andthe
DeclarationontheProtectionofWomenandChildreninEmergencyandArmedConflict,Recognizingthat,inall
countriesintheworld,therearechildrenlivinginexceptionallydifficultconditions,andthatsuchchildrenneed
specialconsideration,
Takingdueaccountoftheimportanceofthetraditionsandculturalvaluesofeachpeoplefortheprotectionand
harmoniousdevelopmentofthechild,Recognizingtheimportanceofinternationalcooperationforimprovingthe
livingconditionsofchildrenineverycountry,inparticularinthedevelopingcountries,
Haveagreedasfollows:
PARTI
Article1
ForthepurposesofthepresentConvention,achildmeanseveryhumanbeingbelowtheageofeighteenyears
unlessunderthelawapplicabletothechild,majorityisattainedearlier.
Article2
[Link]
jurisdictionwithoutdiscriminationofanykind,irrespectiveofthechild'sorhisorherparent'sorlegalguardian's
race,colour,sex,language,religion,politicalorotheropinion,national,ethnicorsocialorigin,property,
disability,birthorotherstatus.
[Link]
discriminationorpunishmentonthebasisofthestatus,activities,expressedopinions,orbeliefsofthechild's
parents,legalguardians,orfamilymembers.
Article3
[Link],whetherundertakenbypublicorprivatesocialwelfareinstitutions,courtsof
law,administrativeauthoritiesorlegislativebodies,thebestinterestsofthechildshallbeaprimary
consideration.
[Link],
takingintoaccounttherightsanddutiesofhisorherparents,legalguardians,orotherindividualslegally
responsibleforhimorher,and,tothisend,shalltakeallappropriatelegislativeandadministrativemeasures.
[Link],servicesandfacilitiesresponsibleforthecareorprotectionof
childrenshallconformwiththestandardsestablishedbycompetentauthorities,particularlyintheareasof
safety,health,inthenumberandsuitabilityoftheirstaff,aswellascompetentsupervision.
Article4
StatesPartiesshallundertakeallappropriatelegislative,administrative,andothermeasuresforthe
[Link],socialandcultural
rights,StatesPartiesshallundertakesuchmeasurestothemaximumextentoftheiravailableresourcesand,
whereneeded,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation.
Article5
StatesPartiesshallrespecttheresponsibilities,rightsanddutiesofparentsor,whereapplicable,themembersof
theextendedfamilyorcommunityasprovidedforbylocalcustom,legalguardiansorotherpersonslegally
responsibleforthechild,toprovide,inamannerconsistentwiththeevolvingcapacitiesofthechild,appropriate
directionandguidanceintheexercisebythechildoftherightsrecognizedinthepresentConvention.
Article6
[Link].
[Link].
Article7
[Link],therightto
[Link],therighttoknowandbecaredforbyhisorherparents.
[Link]
obligationsundertherelevantinternationalinstrumentsinthisfield,inparticularwherethechildwould
otherwisebestateless.
Article8
[Link],includingnationality,
nameandfamilyrelationsasrecognizedbylawwithoutunlawfulinterference.
[Link],StatesPartiesshall
provideappropriateassistanceandprotection,withaviewtoreestablishingspeedilyhisorheridentity.
Article9
[Link],except
whencompetentauthoritiessubjecttojudicialreviewdetermine,inaccordancewithapplicablelawand
procedures,[Link]
necessaryinaparticularcasesuchasoneinvolvingabuseorneglectofthechildbytheparents,oronewhere
theparentsarelivingseparatelyandadecisionmustbemadeastothechild'splaceofresidence.
2.Inanyproceedingspursuanttoparagraph1ofthepresentarticle,allinterestedpartiesshallbegivenan
opportunitytoparticipateintheproceedingsandmaketheirviewsknown.
[Link]
personalrelationsanddirectcontactwithbothparentsonaregularbasis,exceptifitiscontrarytothechild's
bestinterests.
[Link],suchasthedetention,
imprisonment,exile,deportationordeath(includingdeatharisingfromanycausewhilethepersonisinthe
custodyoftheState)ofoneorbothparentsorofthechild,thatStatePartyshall,uponrequest,providethe
parents,thechildor,ifappropriate,anothermemberofthefamilywiththeessentialinformationconcerningthe
whereaboutsoftheabsentmember(s)ofthefamilyunlesstheprovisionoftheinformationwouldbedetrimental
[Link]
itselfentailnoadverseconsequencesfortheperson(s)concerned.
Article10
1.InaccordancewiththeobligationofStatesPartiesunderarticle9,paragraph1,applicationsbyachildorhis
orherparentstoenterorleaveaStatePartyforthepurposeoffamilyreunificationshallbedealtwithbyStates
Partiesinapositive,[Link]
sucharequestshallentailnoadverseconsequencesfortheapplicantsandforthemembersoftheirfamily.
[Link],savein
[Link]
accordancewiththeobligationofStatesPartiesunderarticle9,paragraph1,StatesPartiesshallrespectthe
rightofthechildandhisorherparentstoleaveanycountry,includingtheirown,andtoentertheirown
[Link]
whicharenecessarytoprotectthenationalsecurity,publicorder(ordrepublic),publichealthormoralsorthe
rightsandfreedomsofothersandareconsistentwiththeotherrightsrecognizedinthepresentConvention.
Article11
[Link].
[Link],StatesPartiesshallpromotetheconclusionofbilateralormultilateralagreementsoraccessionto
existingagreements.
Article12
[Link]
thoseviewsfreelyinallmattersaffectingthechild,theviewsofthechildbeinggivendueweightinaccordance
withtheageandmaturityofthechild.
[Link],thechildshallinparticularbeprovidedtheopportunitytobeheardinanyjudicialand
administrativeproceedingsaffectingthechild,eitherdirectly,orthrougharepresentativeoranappropriate
body,inamannerconsistentwiththeproceduralrulesofnationallaw.
Article13
[Link],receiveand
impartinformationandideasofallkinds,regardlessoffrontiers,eitherorally,inwritingorinprint,intheform
ofart,orthroughanyothermediaofthechild'schoice.
[Link],buttheseshallonlybesuchasareprovided
bylawandarenecessary:
(a)Forrespectoftherightsorreputationsofothersor
(b)Fortheprotectionofnationalsecurityorofpublicorder(ordrepublic),orofpublichealthormorals.
Article14
[Link],conscienceandreligion.
[Link],whenapplicable,legalguardians,to
providedirectiontothechildintheexerciseofhisorherrightinamannerconsistentwiththeevolving
capacitiesofthechild.
[Link]'sreligionorbeliefsmaybesubjectonlytosuchlimitationsasareprescribedbylaw
andarenecessarytoprotectpublicsafety,order,healthormorals,orthefundamentalrightsandfreedomsof
others.
Article15
[Link].
[Link]
lawandwhicharenecessaryinademocraticsocietyintheinterestsofnationalsecurityorpublicsafety,public
order(ordrepublic),theprotectionofpublichealthormoralsortheprotectionoftherightsandfreedomsof
others.
Article16
[Link],family,or
correspondence,nortounlawfulattacksonhisorherhonourandreputation.
[Link].
Article17
StatesPartiesrecognizetheimportantfunctionperformedbythemassmediaandshallensurethatthechildhas
accesstoinformationandmaterialfromadiversityofnationalandinternationalsources,especiallythoseaimed
atthepromotionofhisorhersocial,spiritualandmoralwellbeingandphysicalandmentalhealth.
Tothisend,StatesPartiesshall:
(a)Encouragethemassmediatodisseminateinformationandmaterialofsocialandculturalbenefittothechild
andinaccordancewiththespiritofarticle29
(b)Encourageinternationalcooperationintheproduction,exchangeanddisseminationofsuchinformationand
materialfromadiversityofcultural,nationalandinternationalsources
(c)Encouragetheproductionanddisseminationofchildren'sbooks
(d)Encouragethemassmediatohaveparticularregardtothelinguisticneedsofthechildwhobelongstoa
minoritygrouporwhoisindigenous
(e)Encouragethedevelopmentofappropriateguidelinesfortheprotectionofthechildfrominformationand
materialinjurioustohisorherwellbeing,bearinginmindtheprovisionsofarticles13and18.
Article18
[Link]
[Link],asthecasemaybe,legalguardians,
[Link]
willbetheirbasicconcern.
[Link],StatesParties
shallrenderappropriateassistancetoparentsandlegalguardiansintheperformanceoftheirchildrearing
responsibilitiesandshallensurethedevelopmentofinstitutions,facilitiesandservicesforthecareofchildren.
[Link]
benefitfromchildcareservicesandfacilitiesforwhichtheyareeligible.
Article19
[Link],administrative,socialandeducationalmeasurestoprotect
thechildfromallformsofphysicalormentalviolence,injuryorabuse,neglectornegligenttreatment,
maltreatmentorexploitation,includingsexualabuse,whileinthecareofparent(s),legalguardian(s)orany
otherpersonwhohasthecareofthechild.
[Link],asappropriate,includeeffectiveproceduresfortheestablishmentofsocial
programmestoprovidenecessarysupportforthechildandforthosewhohavethecareofthechild,aswellas
forotherformsofpreventionandforidentification,reporting,referral,investigation,treatmentandfollowupof
instancesofchildmaltreatmentdescribedheretofore,and,asappropriate,forjudicialinvolvement.
Article20
[Link],orinwhoseownbestinterests
cannotbeallowedtoremaininthatenvironment,shallbeentitledtospecialprotectionandassistanceprovided
bytheState.
[Link].
[Link],interalia,fosterplacement,kafalahofIslamiclaw,adoptionorifnecessary
[Link],dueregardshallbepaidto
thedesirabilityofcontinuityinachild'supbringingandtothechild'sethnic,religious,culturalandlinguistic
background.
Article21
StatesPartiesthatrecognizeand/orpermitthesystemofadoptionshallensurethatthebestinterestsofthe
childshallbetheparamountconsiderationandtheyshall:
(a)Ensurethattheadoptionofachildisauthorizedonlybycompetentauthoritieswhodetermine,inaccordance
withapplicablelawandproceduresandonthebasisofallpertinentandreliableinformation,thattheadoptionis
permissibleinviewofthechild'sstatusconcerningparents,relativesandlegalguardiansandthat,ifrequired,
thepersonsconcernedhavegiventheirinformedconsenttotheadoptiononthebasisofsuchcounsellingas
maybenecessary
(b)Recognizethatintercountryadoptionmaybeconsideredasanalternativemeansofchild'scare,ifthechild
cannotbeplacedinafosteroranadoptivefamilyorcannotinanysuitablemannerbecaredforinthechild's
countryoforigin
(c)Ensurethatthechildconcernedbyintercountryadoptionenjoyssafeguardsandstandardsequivalentto
thoseexistinginthecaseofnationaladoption
(d)Takeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethat,inintercountryadoption,theplacementdoesnotresultin
improperfinancialgainforthoseinvolvedinit
(e)Promote,whereappropriate,theobjectivesofthepresentarticlebyconcludingbilateralormultilateral
arrangementsoragreements,andendeavour,withinthisframework,toensurethattheplacementofthechildin
anothercountryiscarriedoutbycompetentauthoritiesororgans.
Article22
[Link]
consideredarefugeeinaccordancewithapplicableinternationalordomesticlawandproceduresshall,whether
unaccompaniedoraccompaniedbyhisorherparentsorbyanyotherperson,receiveappropriateprotectionand
humanitarianassistanceintheenjoymentofapplicablerightssetforthinthepresentConventionandinother
internationalhumanrightsorhumanitarianinstrumentstowhichthesaidStatesareParties.
[Link],StatesPartiesshallprovide,astheyconsiderappropriate,cooperationinanyeffortsbythe
UnitedNationsandothercompetentintergovernmentalorganizationsornongovernmentalorganizationsco
operatingwiththeUnitedNationstoprotectandassistsuchachildandtotracetheparentsorothermembersof
[Link]
caseswherenoparentsorothermembersofthefamilycanbefound,thechildshallbeaccordedthesame
protectionasanyotherchildpermanentlyortemporarilydeprivedofhisorherfamilyenvironmentforany
reason,assetforthinthepresentConvention.
Article23
[Link],in
conditionswhichensuredignity,promoteselfrelianceandfacilitatethechild'sactiveparticipationinthe
community.
[Link]
extension,subjecttoavailableresources,totheeligiblechildandthoseresponsibleforhisorhercare,of
assistanceforwhichapplicationismadeandwhichisappropriatetothechild'sconditionandtothe
circumstancesoftheparentsorotherscaringforthechild.
[Link],assistanceextendedinaccordancewithparagraph2ofthe
presentarticleshallbeprovidedfreeofcharge,wheneverpossible,takingintoaccountthefinancialresourcesof
theparentsorotherscaringforthechild,andshallbedesignedtoensurethatthedisabledchildhaseffective
accesstoandreceiveseducation,training,healthcareservices,rehabilitationservices,preparationfor
employmentandrecreationopportunitiesinamannerconducivetothechild'sachievingthefullestpossible
socialintegrationandindividualdevelopment,includinghisorherculturalandspiritualdevelopment
[Link],inthespiritofinternationalcooperation,theexchangeofappropriateinformation
inthefieldofpreventivehealthcareandofmedical,psychologicalandfunctionaltreatmentofdisabledchildren,
includingdisseminationofandaccesstoinformationconcerningmethodsofrehabilitation,educationand
vocationalservices,withtheaimofenablingStatesPartiestoimprovetheircapabilitiesandskillsandtowiden
[Link],particularaccountshallbetakenoftheneedsofdeveloping
countries.
Article24
[Link]
[Link]
nochildisdeprivedofhisorherrightofaccesstosuchhealthcareservices.
[Link],inparticular,shalltakeappropriatemeasures:
(a)Todiminishinfantandchildmortality
(b)Toensuretheprovisionofnecessarymedicalassistanceandhealthcaretoallchildrenwithemphasisonthe
developmentofprimaryhealthcare
(c)Tocombatdiseaseandmalnutrition,includingwithintheframeworkofprimaryhealthcare,through,inter
alia,theapplicationofreadilyavailabletechnologyandthroughtheprovisionofadequatenutritiousfoodsand
cleandrinkingwater,takingintoconsiderationthedangersandrisksofenvironmentalpollution
(d)Toensureappropriateprenatalandpostnatalhealthcareformothers
(e)Toensurethatallsegmentsofsociety,inparticularparentsandchildren,areinformed,haveaccessto
educationandaresupportedintheuseofbasicknowledgeofchildhealthandnutrition,theadvantagesof
breastfeeding,hygieneandenvironmentalsanitationandthepreventionofaccidents
(f)Todeveloppreventivehealthcare,guidanceforparentsandfamilyplanningeducationandservices.
[Link]
prejudicialtothehealthofchildren.
[Link]
[Link],particularaccount
shallbetakenoftheneedsofdevelopingcountries.
Article25
StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofachildwhohasbeenplacedbythecompetentauthoritiesforthepurposes
ofcare,protectionortreatmentofhisorherphysicalormentalhealth,toaperiodicreviewofthetreatment
providedtothechildandallothercircumstancesrelevanttohisorherplacement.
Article26
[Link],includingsocial
insurance,andshalltakethenecessarymeasurestoachievethefullrealizationofthisrightinaccordancewith
theirnationallaw.
[Link],whereappropriate,begranted,takingintoaccounttheresourcesandthecircumstances
ofthechildandpersonshavingresponsibilityforthemaintenanceofthechild,aswellasanyotherconsideration
relevanttoanapplicationforbenefitsmadebyoronbehalfofthechild.
Article27
[Link]'sphysical,
mental,spiritual,moralandsocialdevelopment.
[Link](s)orothersresponsibleforthechildhavetheprimaryresponsibilitytosecure,withintheirabilities
andfinancialcapacities,theconditionsoflivingnecessaryforthechild'sdevelopment.
[Link],inaccordancewithnationalconditionsandwithintheirmeans,shalltakeappropriatemeasures
toassistparentsandothersresponsibleforthechildtoimplementthisrightandshallincaseofneedprovide
materialassistanceandsupportprogrammes,particularlywithregardtonutrition,clothingandhousing.
[Link]
parentsorotherpersonshavingfinancialresponsibilityforthechild,bothwithintheStatePartyandfrom
[Link],wherethepersonhavingfinancialresponsibilityforthechildlivesinaStatedifferentfrom
thatofthechild,StatesPartiesshallpromotetheaccessiontointernationalagreementsortheconclusionofsuch
agreements,aswellasthemakingofotherappropriatearrangements.
Article28
[Link],andwithaviewtoachievingthisright
progressivelyandonthebasisofequalopportunity,theyshall,inparticular:
(a)Makeprimaryeducationcompulsoryandavailablefreetoall
(b)Encouragethedevelopmentofdifferentformsofsecondaryeducation,includinggeneralandvocational
education,makethemavailableandaccessibletoeverychild,andtakeappropriatemeasuressuchasthe
introductionoffreeeducationandofferingfinancialassistanceincaseofneed
(c)Makehighereducationaccessibletoallonthebasisofcapacitybyeveryappropriatemeans
(d)Makeeducationalandvocationalinformationandguidanceavailableandaccessibletoallchildren
(e)Takemeasurestoencourageregularattendanceatschoolsandthereductionofdropoutrates.
[Link]
consistentwiththechild'shumandignityandinconformitywiththepresentConvention.
[Link],in
particularwithaviewtocontributingtotheeliminationofignoranceandilliteracythroughouttheworldand
[Link],particular
accountshallbetakenoftheneedsofdevelopingcountries.
Article29
[Link]:
(a)Thedevelopmentofthechild'spersonality,talentsandmentalandphysicalabilitiestotheirfullestpotential
(b)Thedevelopmentofrespectforhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,andfortheprinciplesenshrinedin
theCharteroftheUnitedNations
(c)Thedevelopmentofrespectforthechild'sparents,hisorherownculturalidentity,languageandvalues,for
thenationalvaluesofthecountryinwhichthechildisliving,thecountryfromwhichheorshemayoriginate,
andforcivilizationsdifferentfromhisorherown
(d)Thepreparationofthechildforresponsiblelifeinafreesociety,inthespiritofunderstanding,peace,
tolerance,equalityofsexes,andfriendshipamongallpeoples,ethnic,nationalandreligiousgroupsandpersons
ofindigenousorigin
(e)Thedevelopmentofrespectforthenaturalenvironment.
2.Nopartofthepresentarticleorarticle28shallbeconstruedsoastointerferewiththelibertyofindividuals
andbodiestoestablishanddirecteducationalinstitutions,subjectalwaystotheobservanceoftheprincipleset
forthinparagraph1ofthepresentarticleandtotherequirementsthattheeducationgiveninsuchinstitutions
shallconformtosuchminimumstandardsasmaybelaiddownbytheState.
Article30
InthoseStatesinwhichethnic,religiousorlinguisticminoritiesorpersonsofindigenousoriginexist,achild
belongingtosuchaminorityorwhoisindigenousshallnotbedeniedtheright,incommunitywithother
membersofhisorhergroup,toenjoyhisorherownculture,toprofessandpractisehisorherownreligion,or
tousehisorherownlanguage.
Article31
[Link],toengageinplayandrecreationalactivities
appropriatetotheageofthechildandtoparticipatefreelyinculturallifeandthearts.
[Link]
shallencouragetheprovisionofappropriateandequalopportunitiesforcultural,artistic,recreationalandleisure
activity.
Article32
[Link]
anyworkthatislikelytobehazardousortointerferewiththechild'seducation,ortobeharmfultothechild's
healthorphysical,mental,spiritual,moralorsocialdevelopment.
[Link],administrative,socialandeducationalmeasurestoensurethe
[Link],andhavingregardtotherelevantprovisionsofother
internationalinstruments,StatesPartiesshallinparticular:
(a)Provideforaminimumageorminimumagesforadmissiontoemployment
(b)Provideforappropriateregulationofthehoursandconditionsofemployment
(c)Provideforappropriatepenaltiesorothersanctionstoensuretheeffectiveenforcementofthepresentarticle.
Article33
StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegislative,administrative,socialandeducational
measures,toprotectchildrenfromtheillicituseofnarcoticdrugsandpsychotropicsubstancesasdefinedinthe
relevantinternationaltreaties,andtopreventtheuseofchildrenintheillicitproductionandtraffickingofsuch
substances.
Article34
[Link]
purposes,StatesPartiesshallinparticulartakeallappropriatenational,bilateralandmultilateralmeasuresto
prevent:
(a)Theinducementorcoercionofachildtoengageinanyunlawfulsexualactivity
(b)Theexploitativeuseofchildreninprostitutionorotherunlawfulsexualpractices
(c)Theexploitativeuseofchildreninpornographicperformancesandmaterials.
Article35
StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatenational,bilateralandmultilateralmeasurestopreventtheabductionof,
thesaleofortrafficinchildrenforanypurposeorinanyform.
Article36
StatesPartiesshallprotectthechildagainstallotherformsofexploitationprejudicialtoanyaspectsofthe
child'swelfare.
Article37
StatesPartiesshallensurethat:
(a)Nochildshallbesubjectedtotortureorothercruel,[Link]
capitalpunishmentnorlifeimprisonmentwithoutpossibilityofreleaseshallbeimposedforoffencescommitted
bypersonsbeloweighteenyearsofage
(b)[Link],detentionorimprisonment
ofachildshallbeinconformitywiththelawandshallbeusedonlyasameasureoflastresortandforthe
shortestappropriateperiodoftime
(c)Everychilddeprivedoflibertyshallbetreatedwithhumanityandrespectfortheinherentdignityofthe
humanperson,[Link],
everychilddeprivedoflibertyshallbeseparatedfromadultsunlessitisconsideredinthechild'sbestinterest
nottodosoandshallhavetherighttomaintaincontactwithhisorherfamilythroughcorrespondenceand
visits,saveinexceptionalcircumstances
(d)Everychilddeprivedofhisorherlibertyshallhavetherighttopromptaccesstolegalandotherappropriate
assistance,aswellastherighttochallengethelegalityofthedeprivationofhisorherlibertybeforeacourtor
othercompetent,independentandimpartialauthority,andtoapromptdecisiononanysuchaction.
Article38
[Link]
applicabletotheminarmedconflictswhicharerelevanttothechild.
[Link]
yearsdonottakeadirectpartinhostilities.
[Link]
[Link]
attainedtheageofeighteenyears,StatesPartiesshallendeavourtogiveprioritytothosewhoareoldest.
[Link]
armedconflicts,StatesPartiesshalltakeallfeasiblemeasurestoensureprotectionandcareofchildrenwhoare
affectedbyanarmedconflict.
Article39
StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestopromotephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocial
reintegrationofachildvictimof:anyformofneglect,exploitation,orabusetortureoranyotherformofcruel,
[Link]
placeinanenvironmentwhichfostersthehealth,selfrespectanddignityofthechild.
Article40
[Link],accusedof,orrecognizedashavinginfringedthe
penallawtobetreatedinamannerconsistentwiththepromotionofthechild'ssenseofdignityandworth,
whichreinforcesthechild'srespectforthehumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsofothersandwhichtakes
intoaccountthechild'sageandthedesirabilityofpromotingthechild'sreintegrationandthechild'sassuminga
constructiveroleinsociety.
[Link],andhavingregardtotherelevantprovisionsofinternationalinstruments,StatesPartiesshall,in
particular,ensurethat:
(a)Nochildshallbeallegedas,beaccusedof,orrecognizedashavinginfringedthepenallawbyreasonofacts
oromissionsthatwerenotprohibitedbynationalorinternationallawatthetimetheywerecommitted
(b)Everychildallegedasoraccusedofhavinginfringedthepenallawhasatleastthefollowingguarantees:
(i)Tobepresumedinnocentuntilprovenguiltyaccordingtolaw
(ii)Tobeinformedpromptlyanddirectlyofthechargesagainsthimorher,and,ifappropriate,throughhisor
herparentsorlegalguardians,andtohavelegalorotherappropriateassistanceinthepreparationand
presentationofhisorherdefence
(iii)Tohavethematterdeterminedwithoutdelaybyacompetent,independentandimpartialauthorityor
judicialbodyinafairhearingaccordingtolaw,inthepresenceoflegalorotherappropriateassistanceand,
unlessitisconsiderednottobeinthebestinterestofthechild,inparticular,takingintoaccounthisorherage
orsituation,hisorherparentsorlegalguardians
(iv)Nottobecompelledtogivetestimonyortoconfessguilttoexamineorhaveexaminedadversewitnesses
andtoobtaintheparticipationandexaminationofwitnessesonhisorherbehalfunderconditionsofequality
(v)Ifconsideredtohaveinfringedthepenallaw,tohavethisdecisionandanymeasuresimposedin
consequencethereofreviewedbyahighercompetent,independentandimpartialauthorityorjudicialbody
accordingtolaw
(vi)Tohavethefreeassistanceofaninterpreterifthechildcannotunderstandorspeakthelanguageused
(vii)Tohavehisorherprivacyfullyrespectedatallstagesoftheproceedings.
[Link],procedures,authoritiesandinstitutions
specificallyapplicabletochildrenallegedas,accusedof,orrecognizedashavinginfringedthepenallaw,and,in
particular:
(a)Theestablishmentofaminimumagebelowwhichchildrenshallbepresumednottohavethecapacityto
infringethepenallaw
(b)Wheneverappropriateanddesirable,measuresfordealingwithsuchchildrenwithoutresortingtojudicial
proceedings,[Link],
suchascare,guidanceandsupervisionorderscounsellingprobationfostercareeducationandvocational
trainingprogrammesandotheralternativestoinstitutionalcareshallbeavailabletoensurethatchildrenare
dealtwithinamannerappropriatetotheirwellbeingandproportionatebothtotheircircumstancesandthe
offence.
Article41
NothinginthepresentConventionshallaffectanyprovisionswhicharemoreconducivetotherealizationofthe
rightsofthechildandwhichmaybecontainedin:
(a)ThelawofaStatepartyor
(b)InternationallawinforceforthatState.
PARTII
Article42
StatesPartiesundertaketomaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknown,by
appropriateandactivemeans,toadultsandchildrenalike.
Article43
[Link]
obligationsundertakeninthepresentConvention,thereshallbeestablishedaCommitteeontheRightsof
theChild,whichshallcarryoutthefunctionshereinafterprovided.
[Link]
thefieldcoveredbythisConvention.1/ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeelectedbyStatesParties
fromamongtheirnationalsandshallserveintheirpersonalcapacity,considerationbeinggiventoequitable
geographicaldistribution,aswellastotheprincipallegalsystems.
[Link]
[Link].
[Link]
[Link]
eachelection,theSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshalladdressalettertoStatesPartiesinviting
[Link]
listinalphabeticalorderofallpersonsthusnominated,indicatingStatesPartieswhichhavenominated
them,andshallsubmitittotheStatesPartiestothepresentConvention.
[Link]
[Link],forwhichtwothirdsofStatesPartiesshallconstituteaquorum,
thepersonselectedtotheCommitteeshallbethosewhoobtainthelargestnumberofvotesandan
absolutemajorityofthevotesoftherepresentativesofStatesPartiespresentandvoting.
[Link]
[Link]
oftwoyearsimmediatelyafterthefirstelection,thenamesofthesefivemembersshallbechosenbylotby
theChairmanofthemeeting.
[Link]
performthedutiesoftheCommittee,theStatePartywhichnominatedthemembershallappointanother
expertfromamongitsnationalstoservefortheremainderoftheterm,subjecttotheapprovalofthe
Committee.
[Link].
[Link].
[Link]
[Link]
durationofthemeetingsoftheCommitteeshallbedetermined,andreviewed,ifnecessary,byameetingof
theStatesPartiestothepresentConvention,subjecttotheapprovaloftheGeneralAssembly.
[Link]
effectiveperformanceofthefunctionsoftheCommitteeunderthepresentConvention.
[Link],themembersoftheCommitteeestablishedunderthe
presentConventionshallreceiveemolumentsfromUnitedNationsresourcesonsuchtermsandconditions
astheAssemblymaydecide.
Article44
[Link],throughtheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnited
Nations,reportsonthemeasurestheyhaveadoptedwhichgiveeffecttotherightsrecognizedhereinand
ontheprogressmadeontheenjoymentofthoserights
(a)WithintwoyearsoftheentryintoforceoftheConventionfortheStatePartyconcerned
(b)Thereaftereveryfiveyears.
[Link],ifany,affectingthedegree
[Link]
informationtoprovidetheCommitteewithacomprehensiveunderstandingoftheimplementationofthe
Conventioninthecountryconcerned.
[Link],inits
subsequentreportssubmittedinaccordancewithparagraph1(b)ofthepresentarticle,repeatbasic
informationpreviouslyprovided.
[Link]
Convention.
[Link],throughtheEconomicandSocialCouncil,everytwo
years,reportsonitsactivities.
[Link].
Article45
InordertofostertheeffectiveimplementationoftheConventionandtoencourageinternationalco
operationinthefieldcoveredbytheConvention:
(a)Thespecializedagencies,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,andotherUnitedNationsorgansshallbe
entitledtoberepresentedattheconsiderationoftheimplementationofsuchprovisionsofthepresent
[Link],
theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandothercompetentbodiesasitmayconsiderappropriatetoprovide
expertadviceontheimplementationoftheConventioninareasfallingwithinthescopeoftheirrespective
[Link],theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,and
otherUnitedNationsorganstosubmitreportsontheimplementationoftheConventioninareasfalling
withinthescopeoftheiractivities
(b)TheCommitteeshalltransmit,asitmayconsiderappropriate,tothespecializedagencies,theUnited
NationsChildren'sFundandothercompetentbodies,anyreportsfromStatesPartiesthatcontainarequest,
orindicateaneed,fortechnicaladviceorassistance,alongwiththeCommittee'sobservationsand
suggestions,ifany,ontheserequestsorindications
(c)TheCommitteemayrecommendtotheGeneralAssemblytorequesttheSecretaryGeneraltoundertake
onitsbehalfstudiesonspecificissuesrelatingtotherightsofthechild
(d)TheCommitteemaymakesuggestionsandgeneralrecommendationsbasedoninformationreceived
[Link]
shallbetransmittedtoanyStatePartyconcernedandreportedtotheGeneralAssembly,togetherwith
comments,ifany,fromStatesParties.
PARTIII
Article46
ThepresentConventionshallbeopenforsignaturebyallStates.
Article47
[Link]
SecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.
Article48
[Link]
depositedwiththeSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.
Article49
[Link]
SecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsofthetwentiethinstrumentofratificationoraccession.
[Link]
ratificationoraccession,theConventionshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayafterthedepositbysuch
Stateofitsinstrumentofratificationoraccession.
Article50
[Link].
TheSecretaryGeneralshallthereuponcommunicatetheproposedamendmenttoStatesParties,witha
requestthattheyindicatewhethertheyfavouraconferenceofStatesPartiesforthepurposeofconsidering
[Link],withinfourmonthsfromthedateofsuchcommunication,
atleastonethirdoftheStatesPartiesfavoursuchaconference,theSecretaryGeneralshallconvenethe
[Link]
PartiespresentandvotingattheconferenceshallbesubmittedtotheGeneralAssemblyforapproval.
2.Anamendmentadoptedinaccordancewithparagraph1ofthepresentarticleshallenterintoforcewhen
ithasbeenapprovedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheUnitedNationsandacceptedbyatwothirdsmajority
ofStatesParties.
[Link],itshallbebindingonthoseStatesPartieswhichhaveacceptedit,
otherStatesPartiesstillbeingboundbytheprovisionsofthepresentConventionandanyearlier
amendmentswhichtheyhaveaccepted.
Article51
[Link]
reservationsmadebyStatesatthetimeofratificationoraccession.
[Link].
[Link]
GeneraloftheUnitedNations,[Link]
dateonwhichitisreceivedbytheSecretaryGeneral
Article52
AStatePartymaydenouncethepresentConventionbywrittennotificationtotheSecretaryGeneralofthe
[Link]
SecretaryGeneral.
Article53
TheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsisdesignatedasthedepositaryofthepresentConvention.
Article54
TheoriginalofthepresentConvention,ofwhichtheArabic,Chinese,English,French,RussianandSpanish
textsareequallyauthentic,[Link]
thereoftheundersignedplenipotentiaries,beingdulyauthorizedtheretobytheirrespectiveGovernments,
havesignedthepresentConvention.
_________
1/TheGeneralAssembly,initsresolution50/155of21December1995,approvedtheamendmentto
article43,paragraph2,oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,replacingthewordtenwiththeword
eighteen.Theamendmententeredintoforceon18November2002whenithadbeenacceptedbyatwo
thirdsmajorityoftheStatesparties(128outof191).
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