Protecting children and young people’s rights
Your rights can be found in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, or UNCRC. One of the Commissioner’s jobs is to make sure people in Scotland know about this convention.
See the UNCRC Articles signed in BSL.
Articles of the UNCRC
Article 1
Everyone under 18 has these rights.
Article 2
You have the right to protection against discrimination.
Article 3
Adults should do what’s best for you.
Article 4
You have the right to have your rights made a reality by government.
Article 5
You have the right to be given guidance by your parents and family.
Article 6
You have the right to life.
Article 7
You have the right to have a name and a nationality.
Article 8
You have the right to have an identity.
Article 9
You have the right to live with your parents unless it is bad for you.
Article 10
If you and your parents are living in different countries, you have the right to get back together and live in the same place.
Article 11
You should not be kidnapped.
Article 12
You have the right to an opinion and for it to be listened to and taken seriously.
Article 13
You have the right to find out things and say what you think, through making art, speaking and writing unless it breaks the rights of others.
Article 14
You have the right to think what you like and be whatever religion you want to be with your parents' guidance.
Article 15
You have the right to be with friends and join or set up clubs, unless this breaks the rights of others.
Article 16
You have the right to a private life. For example, you can keep a diary that other people are not allowed to see.
Article 17
You have the right to collect information from the media.
Article 18
You have the right to be brought up by your parents if possible.
Article 19
You have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated.
Article 20
You have the right to special protection and help if you can’t live with your parents.
Article 21
You have the right to have the best care for you if you are adopted or living in foster care.
Article 22
You have the right to special protection and help if you are a refugee.
Article 23
If you are disabled, either mentally or physically, you have the right to special care and education.
Article 24
You have the right to the best health possible and to medical care and information.
Article 25
You have the right to have your living arrangements checked regularly if you are living away from home.
Article 26
You have the right to help from the government if you are poor or in need.
Article 27
You have the right to have a good enough standard of living.
Article 28
You have the right to education.
Article 29
You have the right to education which develops your personality, respect for others’ rights and the environment.
Article 30
If you come from a minority group you have the right to enjoy your own culture, practice your own religion and use your own language.
Article 31
You have the right to play and relax by doing things like sport, music and drama.
Article 32
You have the right to protection from work which is bad for your health or education.
Article 33
You have the right to be protected from dangerous drugs.
Article 34
You have the right to be protected from sexual abuse.
Article 35
No one is allowed to kidnap you or sell you.
Article 36
You have the right to protection from any other kind of exploitation.
Article 37
You have the right not to be punished in a cruel or hurtful way.
Article 38
You have the right to protection in times of war. If under 15, you should never have to be in the army or a battle.
Article 39
You have the right to help if you have been hurt, neglected or badly treated.
Article 40
You have the right to help in defending yourself if you are accused of breaking the law.
Article 41
You have the right to any rights in laws in your country or internationally that give you better rights than these.
Article 42
All adults and children should know about this convention.
Further articles
Articles 43 - 54 are about how governments and international organisations will work to give children their rights.
Links
This version of the UNCRC is produced by Save the Children.
See a version of the UNCRC we produced with the Scottish Government.