COMPREHENSION PASSAGE – Respecting Children’s Rights

In 1989, an important agreement was made by countries around the world.

This agreement was called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

It was created to make sure that every child, no matter where they live, is treated fairly and with
respect.

Countries that accepted the convention promised to protect children and ensure their wellbeing.

They also agreed that children should have opportunities to grow, learn and express themselves freely.

The UNCRC contains 54 articles, each describing a different right that belongs to every child.

These rights are grouped into categories such as survival rights, development rights, protection rights
and participation rights.

Survival rights include basic needs like food, water, shelter and medical care.

Development rights include education, play and access to information.

Protection rights ensure children are safe from harm, abuse or neglect.

Participation rights allow children to express their thoughts and opinions on matters that affect them.

One important right is the right to education.

Education is believed to help children build their future and contribute to society.

Many countries work hard to provide free schooling to all children.

However, some children still face challenges such as poverty, discrimination or lack of schools in their
area.

The UNCRC encourages governments to overcome these challenges so every child can learn.

Another key right is the right to play.

Play helps children become creative, confident and emotionally healthy.

It allows them to develop friendships and learn how to solve problems.

Unfortunately, some children have limited time to play because of long working hours at home or school
pressures.

The convention reminds adults that play is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

Children also have the right to be protected from harm.

This includes being protected from physical violence, emotional abuse, dangerous work and unsafe
environments.

Countries must create laws that punish those who harm children and provide support for victims.

The right to express ideas and opinions is also essential.

Children should be heard in school, at home and in their communities.

When adults listen to children, it helps build trust and teaches children that their voices matter.

It also encourages them to become responsible and active citizens in the future.

Even though the UNCRC has been in place for many years, not all children receive all their rights.

In some parts of the world, children are unable to attend school because they must work to support
their families.

In other places, girls are denied education simply because of their gender.

Some children live in areas affected by war, making their lives unsafe and unpredictable.

Many organisations, including UNICEF, work to improve conditions for such children.

Parents, teachers and communities also play a major role in protecting children’s rights.

Schools can teach children about their rights and encourage them to respect the rights of others.

Families can provide a safe and loving environment where children feel valued.

Communities can ensure that playgrounds, homes and roads are secure for every child.

When children know their rights, they are better able to speak up when something is wrong.

They can also help others who may not be aware of their rights.

Knowledge empowers children to build a more equal and just society.

Ultimately, children’s rights are not just rules written in a document.

They are promises that adults must keep.

They ensure that every child can have a happy, healthy and meaningful life.

The responsibility to protect these rights belongs to everyone—governments, communities and

families.
Only when all adults work together can these rights truly be respected.

As the world changes, new challenges continue to affect children.

Climate change, technology and global conflict are some issues that impact their lives.

The UNCRC encourages countries to keep updating their laws to meet these new challenges.

Children must be at the centre of all decisions that concern their future.

By respecting children’s rights today, we help build a safer and kinder world for tomorrow.

WORKSHEET

A. Multiple Choice Questions

1. The UNCRC was created in the year:

a) 1970 b) 1989 c) 1995 d) 2001

2. The UNCRC contains how many articles?

a) 45 b) 54 c) 34 d) 89

3. Which of the following is a participation right?

a) Right to food b) Right to express opinions c) Right to medical care d) Right to shelter

4. Which organisation works worldwide to help protect children’s rights?

a) WHO b) UNICEF c) NASA d) UNESCO

5. The right to play helps children:

a) Become lazy b) Avoid school c) Develop creativity and confidence d) Ignore responsibilities

B. Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main purpose of the UNCRC?

2. Name two challenges that prevent children from getting proper education.
3. What do protection rights ensure for children?

4. Why is play considered important for children?

5. How can communities help protect children’s rights?

C. Fill in the Blanks

1. The UNCRC was created to ensure every child is treated ________.

2. Survival rights include access to __________ and __________.

3. Participation rights allow children to __________ their ideas.

4. UNICEF works to improve conditions for children affected by ________.

5. Play is not a luxury; it is a ________.

D. Objectives (True/False)

1. Children do not have the right to express their opinions.

2. Some children cannot attend school because of poverty.

3. The right to education is part of development rights.

4. Only governments are responsible for protecting children’s rights.

5. Children should know their rights to protect themselves and others.

E. Application-Based Questions

1. Imagine a child in your school is not allowed to express their opinion in class. How would you help
support their participation rights?

2. Your community has a playground that is unsafe. What steps would you suggest to improve it for
children?

3. A friend tells you they have too much work at home and no time to play. How can you explain to their
parents why play is important?

4. If you were part of the student council, which children’s right would you work to improve in your
school and why?