What types of rights do children have under International Law?

Children around the world have a variety of rights that are protected under International Law. These rights have been established to ensure that all children have a safe and healthy environment in which to grow up. Under The Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1989, all children have the right to life, to protection from exploitation, abuse, and neglect, to development, and to participate in family, cultural, and social life. Additionally, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948, establishes that every child has the right to education, food, clothing, health care, leisure and recreation, and protection from violence and discrimination. Further, each child has the right to protection from exploitation, slavery, and torture. International law also guarantees children the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and to be heard in court. This right is often referred to as the right to be “seen and heard.” Furthermore, children have the right to access legal assistance and the right to appeal decisions made against them in court. Finally, several treaties have been adopted to protect children from harmful practices, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These treaties serve to ensure that no child is denied their basic rights because of their particular circumstances.

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What types of rights do children have under International Law?

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