Four key points:
Non-discrimination
Every child has the right to develop their potential. For example, equal access to education regardless of the gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, parentage, sexual orientation or other status.
The primary consideration principle
In all decisions where a child is involved, the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration. One example is that a government making budget cuts, must consider the impact on children and shape policy primarily in their best interests. The voice of the child must be heard and respected in all matters concerning their rights.
The right to survival and development
This includes access to basic services such as water, sanitation, healthcare and their parents’ and caregivers’ right to knowledge about health and nutrition. And of course ‘all children’ means the rights of disabled children to access education and health care.
Definition of a child
A child means every human being under 18 years of age.