The 12 rights of children under the UN Convention and Helping Hands' commitment to ensuring that they are respected
Children's rights are enshrined in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted on 20 November 1989 by the United Nations.
This founding text recognises every child as a subject of rights in their own right. It commits states to guaranteeing their protection, development, safety and self-fulfilment.
But beyond the texts, these rights must be applied in practice on the ground. This is precisely the mission pursued by Helping Hands, humanitarian association committed to helping the most vulnerable children.
The 12 fundamental rights of children
1. The right to equality
Every child has the same rights, without discrimination as to origin, gender, religion, disability or social situation.
2. The right to an identity
Every child has the right to a name, a nationality and official recognition from birth.
3. The right to a family
Children have the right to grow up in a stable and protective family environment.
4. The right to protection
Children must be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse.
5. The right to health
Every child has the right to medical care, adequate food and drinking water.
👉 Helping Hands: The association supports access to healthcare and helps to improve the health conditions of the children it cares for.
6. The right to education
Primary schools must be free and accessible to all.
👉 The Helping Hands initiative: Education is at the heart of the association's activities, with tutoring, help with schooling and the supply of teaching materials.
7. The right to expression
Children have the right to express their views on decisions that affect them.
8. The right to information
Children must have access to age-appropriate information.
9. The right to leisure
Play and cultural activities are essential to development.
👉 The Helping Hands initiative: The association organises educational and recreational activities to promote personal development.
10. The right to protection in the event of war
Children must be protected during armed conflicts.
11. The right to protection against dangerous work
No child should be exploited or forced to do dangerous work.
12. The right to an adequate standard of living
Every child has the right to a decent standard of living to ensure his or her physical, mental and social development.
👉 Helping Hands: Food, educational and social support programmes help to improve the living conditions of the children supported.
A convention adopted on 20 November 1989: an ongoing commitment
Since its adoption by the United Nations, the International Convention on the Rights of the Child has become a pillar of child protection worldwide.
It is based on four fundamental principles:
- Non-discrimination
- The best interests of the child
- The right to survival and development
- Respect for children's opinions
Yet in many parts of the world, these rights remain fragile.
Helping Hands: concrete action for children's rights
At Helping Hands, defending children's rights is more than just a declaration of principle. It translates into concrete action:
- Support for schooling
- Social support for families
- Improving living conditions
- Educational and solidarity programmes
Each project aims to give effect to the rights enshrined in the 1989 Convention.
Committing to children's rights
Children's rights are not acquired once and for all: they must be protected and defended every day.
Supporting Helping Hands means helping to bring the International Convention on the Rights of the Child to life on the ground, and offering children the conditions they need to grow, learn and develop in dignity.
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