For almost a century, the fundamental rights of children have been defined by major international texts. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, first adopted in Geneva in 1924, laid the foundations for these universal principles. In 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted by 197 countries, detailed these rights in a legally binding framework, with 42 articles guaranteeing the protection, well-being and participation of children.
In 2024, the Declaration was updated to incorporate contemporary realities such as digital security, technological advances and access to appropriate justice. These universal rights, applicable to all children without distinction, reaffirm the importance of guaranteeing their dignity, safety and fulfillment.
Discover below the 10 key themes of the 2024 Declaration, which reflect the essential needs of children in an ever-changing world.
- RIGHT TO DIGNITY
Children have the right to live in conditions of dignity and well-being, free from poverty, and to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. - PROTECTION AGAINST ARMED CONFLICT
Children need to grow up in communities free from armed conflict, where their safety and development are guaranteed. - PARTICIPATION IN DECISIONS
Children have the right to be heard and to have their opinions taken into account in all decisions affecting them, enabling them to contribute actively to their communities. - HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Children must thrive in a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, conducive to their survival, development and enjoyment of all their rights. - SAFETY IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT
Children have the right to a safe experience in the digital world, with the right tools to guarantee their autonomy and safety in an ever-changing environment. - PROTECTION AGAINST ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE
Children must be protected against all forms of violence, whether physical, psychological or sexual, in all contexts, including the home. - RESPECT IN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
The best interests of children must be respected in current and future technological and biotechnological advances. - ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE JUSTICE
Children must benefit from justice systems that meet their specific needs, with remedies available if their rights are violated. - FREE AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Children have the right to free and inclusive education at all levels – early, primary, secondary and vocational – without discrimination, enabling them to develop to their full potential. - FULFILLING CHILDHOOD
Every child should be able to enjoy a rich and fulfilling childhood, with the necessary opportunities to play, learn and develop in conditions that respect his or her dignity and uniqueness.