Children’s rights: for children

Children’s rights: for children

Children’s rights

Children’s rights: for children

Four girls sit in the shade of a plane tree and watch an event, Photo: Daniela Krenzer
City of Children 2018: Girls taking time out in the shade. © Frankfurter Kinderbüro, Photo: Daniela Krenzer

All children have children’s rights. And now?

What are rights?

Rights are rules. They are written down. Everyone must stick to these rules.

 

I have rights – what does that mean exactly?

All children are equally important. All children’s rights are equally important. No one can take away your rights. It is important to know what your rights are so that no one can discriminate against you.

 

Am I allowed to do anything I want?

No. Just because you have children’s rights, does not mean that you can do everything you want. The others have the same rights as you. Everyone has to look out for the rights of others.

 

Do I also have obligations?

No. You have no obligations deriving from children's rights. If you make mistakes, you still have all the children’s rights.

 

Do my parents also have rights?

Yes. The right to raise and educate you is especially important for your parents. They know what is good for you and how things should be in your family.

 

Do my parents have obligations?

Yes. Your parents must raise you without the use of violence, which means that physical violence, being mean and unfair treatment are all forbidden.

 

What if I deliberately do something bad?

If you don’t follow the rules, or if you hurt others or break something, you still have all the children’s rights.

 

Where do children’s rights come from, and who are they for?

Children’s rights were laid down by the United Nations in 1989 in a Convention on the Rights of the Child. This Convention has been in force in Germany since 1992. It applies in almost all countries of the world. Children’s rights apply to all children: From birth to their 18th birthday.

 

Who must abide by children’s rights?

All adults must abide by children’s rights. Children’s rights are particularly important for all those who deal with children and make decisions for children.

 

Who can I contact if my rights are violated?

If your rights are violated, you can get help. For example, you can ask your parents. There are also other people who can help you.

 

We look forward to your questions and suggestions! Just give us a call at 069/212 39001.