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UNCROC - United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Did you know that if you’re under 18, your human rights are listed in an international treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC for short)?

What is UNCROC?
UNCROC is short for United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It’s an international agreement between countries to protect and promote the interests of young people under 18 year-olds. UNCROC contains 54 separate commitments to young people. Four of these commitments or ‘articles’ are general principles:

•    the right to protection from all kinds of discrimination
•    the best interests of children are the most important consideration
•    all children have a right to life, survival and development
•    children have a right to an opinion and for that opinion to be heard in all contexts.

Why should I be interested in UNCROC?
UNCROC is a powerful thing - and it's all about your rights if you’re under 18 years of age. UNCROC covers everything from your health, work and life at home. UNCROC is sometimes used in court cases when the case needs legal guidance.

Lots of organisations, like Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa , the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and Youthlaw,  work hard to make sure that your rights are being protected and upheld under UNCROC.

Every five years, New Zealand reports back to the United Nations and they check that we’re doing OK.

New Zealand has a United Nations youth network called  UNYANZ - United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand (you say it "onions" like the vegetable). If you want more information about the United Nations, then check out this group. It is run by young people to educate other young people on the role of the United Nations.

A Youth friendly version of UNCROC is available at Unicef

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