Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)

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The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989, is a pivotal international treaty designed to protect and promote the rights of children worldwide. It came into force on September 2, 1990, and is the most widely ratified human rights treaty, with 196 countries ratifying it as of 2025. The CRC defines a child as anyone under the age of 18 and outlines 54 articles that ensure children's rights to survival, development, protection, and participation. The CRC emphasizes the need for states to provide children with access to essential services like education, healthcare, and protection from abuse. It also recognizes the role of families and communities in fostering an environment conducive to children's growth. The treaty is monitored by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which reviews periodic reports from states on their progress in implementing the Convention. Optional Protocols further address issues like child involvement in armed conflicts and child exploitation. Despite its broad adoption, challenges remain in ensuring all children enjoy these rights universally.