CROC (Convention on the Rights of the Child) is an International Convention that protects your right as a child and youth up to the age of eighteen. There are many lengthy and confusing articles in CROC, but, the message is the same. You have rights and it is important that they are upheld and recognised. Here are some of the major issues covered in CROC and the related Articles:
  • Protection without discrimination (Article 2)
  • All decisions made about you must be in your best interest (Article 3)
  • You have the right to life (Article 6)
  • You have a right to a name and the right to acquire a nationality (Article 7)
  • You have a right to know about your identity (Article 8)
  • You can't be separated from your parents if it is against your will or in our best interest (Article 9)
  • If you are capable of forming your own views you also have the right to express these views and have them heared(Article12)
  • You have the right to freedom of expression and information if it is within the legal boundaries (Article 13)
  • You have the right to thought, conscience and religion (Article 14)
  • Your rights are protected so no one can interfere with your privacy, family or home (Article 16)
  • Through the use of media you have the right to obtain information that will benefit you(Article17)
  • The primary responsibility for your up bringing lies with your parents or legal guardians(Article18)
  • You are to be protected from neglect and abuse (Article 19)
  • Refugees who are children have the right to special assistance and protection (Article 22)
  • Disabled children have the right to special care (Article 26)
  • You have the right to health services and to have the highest attainable standard of health (Article 24)
  • You have the right to benefit from social security (Article 26)
  • You have the right to an adequate standard of living (Article 27)
  • You have the right to have access to education (Article 28)
  • If you are Indigenous or of a minority group you have the right to practice your own religion and culture (Article 30)
  • You have the right to take part in leisure, recreation and cultural activities (Article 31)
  • You should be protected from economic exploitation (Article 32)
  • You should be protected form illicit drugs (Article 33)
  • You should be protected form sexual exploitation and abuse (Article 34)
  • You have the right to be protected or prevented from abduction, sale or trafficking and all other forms of exploitation (Article 35 and 36)
  • You are not to be subjected to torture, capital punishment and deprivation of liberty (Article 37)
  • If you have faced neglect or abuse etc. the State has the responsibility to take all appropriate measures for rehabilitative care (Article 39)
  • You have numerous rights in regards to the administration of justice and the criminal procedure (Article 40)
Click here to access a full text of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, through the AustLII server.