Heaven of Children

Children's Rights: Every Child Counts

Every child has the right to be protected, respected, and heard. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child summarizes these rights – regardless of origin, religion, or gender.

The 10 Most Important Children's Rights

• 1. Right to Survival & Development
  Every child has the right to life and healthy development.
• 2. Right to Education
  Every child should be able to go to school and learn.
• 3. Protection from Violence
  No child should be physically or emotionally harmed.
• 4. Right to Health
  All children have the right to medical care and healthy living conditions.
• 5. Right to Participation
  Children may express their opinions – and adults must listen.
• 6. Right to Equality
  All children have equal rights – no matter where they come from or how they look.
• 7. Right to Family & Care
  Every child has the right to grow up with loving caregivers.
• 8. Right to Play & Leisure
  Children need time and space to play and rest.
• 9. Protection in War & on the Run
  Children in crisis need special protection.
• 10. Support in Case of Disability or Disadvantage
  Every child has the right to support – also with special needs.

Why Do Children's Rights Exist?

Although almost all countries in the world have committed to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), children's rights are violated daily. Millions of children grow up in poverty, in conflict zones, or without access to basic needs such as food and protection – due to war, the climate crisis, and social injustice. That's why it's crucial that children have their own rights.

1. Children are often disadvantaged

Children are among the most vulnerable groups in society. In everyday life, they are often not seen as having their own rights. The UNCRC defines them as independent rights holders. If people speak for them or decide over their heads, this basic understanding is violated.

2. Children need special protection

Children must grow up in safe and nurturing environments. Babies and toddlers cannot take care of themselves. Even older children often can't defend themselves or demand their rights. They need adults to protect and support them.

3. Children suffer specific rights violations

Child labor and early marriage are just two examples. Children also need special support through education and play.

How Many Children's Rights Exist?

The UNCRC includes 54 articles, grouped into protection, provision, and participation rights. It is based on four core principles:

• Non-discrimination
• Best interests of the child
• Right to life and development
• Right to be heard

These principles guide the interpretation of all other rights.

Why Are Children's Rights Violated?

Even though most countries have ratified the UNCRC, children's rights are still violated every day. War, conflict, exploitation, and lack of humanitarian access severely affect children.

Serious violations include:

• Child labor
• Forced recruitment
• Child marriage
• Sexual violence and exploitation
• Attacks on schools and hospitals
• Denial of humanitarian aid

In 2022, 1 in 6 children lived in a conflict zone – and numbers are rising.

Why It Matters

Millions of children suffer daily. It's our responsibility to give them a voice and a future. Heaven of Children is committed to this – with heart, action, and solidarity.