A child is doing homework at a table with a thoughtful expression on their face.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees every child the right to protection and participation and the opportunity to live a good and happy life. The Convention applies to everyone under the age of 18 and seeks to strengthen children’s human rights. Use the links below to learn more about the Convention on the Rights of the Child and how its implementation is monitored, as well as essential information about children’s rights.

Basic information about human rights and children’s rights

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

Realisation and monitoring of rights

A child is peeking from behind a book.

The general principles

The four general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child are of particular importance in the Convention’s implementation and interpretation. They concern non-discrimination, the best interests of the child as a primary consideration, the child’s right to life, survival and development, and respecting the child’s views.

On this website you will find information about children’s rights for:

A child looks through a magnifying glass in front of a yellow background.

General comments

The General comments of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child are an important resource for everyone working with children, as they help in understanding and interpreting the content of the Convention and the obligations it entails.

All General Comments of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child can be found in one place on the website of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children in Finland.