What are the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children all around the world. This Convention is one of the most widely ratified human rights treaties, with only two countries declining to ratify. In North Carolina, child advocacy laws strive to protect the rights of children through the principles of the Convention. The Convention, which was adopted in 1989, consists of 54 articles that define the rights of children. These rights include the right to life, protection from abuse and exploitation, freedom of expression, as well as the right to education, healthcare, and leisure. The Convention also defines the obligations of States to ensure these rights, and grants certain legal protections to minors. One of the most important principles of the Convention is the principle of nondiscrimination in the protection of children’s rights. All children are entitled to the same protections and rights, regardless of race, religion, gender, or any other characteristics. Additionally, the Convention states that the best interests of the child must be taken into consideration in all matters concerning them. Finally, the Convention stipulates that the child has the right to participate in decisions regarding their own life and wellbeing, as long as they are of a certain age. This means that, depending on a child’s maturity and understanding, they must be included in decision-making processes that affect their life. In North Carolina, child advocacy laws seek to protect these rights and ensure that all children can access these basic rights.

What are the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

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