The Convention is based on children being individuals in their own right – they do not belong to their parents or the state. However, when children are born, they rely on adults for everything they need. Children need rights to make sure they are well cared for and can grow towards independence.
Changes and problems in the world sometimes have a bigger impact on children than on adults. Because they are still growing, children are especially vulnerable to poor living conditions, disease, malnutrition, pollution and poverty.
The actions, or lack of action, by government impact children. Almost every area of policy affects children to some degree. Policies that do not consider children have a negative impact on everybody's future.
We should listen to and consider children's views on issues and decisions that affect them. This includes at home, in school, in local communities and even in governments. However, children do not usually vote or take part in political processes. Special efforts are required to make sure the views of children are sought, listened to and taken seriously in all decision making that affects them.
The rights that children have exist to enable children to grow up healthy and safe and achieve their potential.
Here is a film about what a difference it has made to children knowing about and accessing their rights where they go to school.