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The rights of the child
The International Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations (UN) on 20 November 1989. In 1989, 196 States signed it; only the United States did not sign it.
Key points of the sheet
- The Convention sets out the fundamental rights of children. It imposes obligations on the States that signed it, so it protects children.
- The Convention is the basis of all the work of UNICEF. UNICEF is an organisation that comes under the UN.
- One principle of the Convention: the child's interest comes first. It is above the child's wishes and the parents' wishes.
- According to this principle, the child can choose his or her own future. The parents do not decide instead, unless the child's decisions put the child in danger.
- Among the rights of the child: equality, having a name and an identity, living with a family. The child also has the right to be cared for, protected from diseases and to have enough balanced food.
- The child has the right to justice suited to his or her age, to school and leisure, and to privacy. The child can get information, express views and be heard on matters that concern him or her.
- A child with a disability has the right to live with and like the others. The child can have an adapted timetable.
- The child has the right not to wage war or suffer it; the child is protected in wartime, against violence and against exploitation. If there is a problem, you can contact the Defender of Rights.
Words to know
- International Convention on the Rights of the Child (Convention Internationale des Droits de l’Enfant)
- It is a document that sets out children's fundamental rights and imposes obligations on the States that signed it.
- UNICEF
- It is an organisation that comes under the UN. Its work is based on the Convention.
- the child's interest (intérêt de l’enfant)
- It is a principle of the Convention: it is above the wishes of the child and of the parents.
- adapted timetable (emploi du temps aménagé)
- A child with a disability can have one; the child has the right to live with and like the others.
- Defender of Rights (Défenseur des droits)
- You can contact it if there is a problem.
Test yourself: 3 questions
Which country did not sign the International Convention on the Rights of the Child?
In French, the language of the exam: Quel pays n'a pas signé la Convention internationale des droits de l'enfant ?
The sheet says that only the United States did not sign the Convention.
In which year was the International Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted?
In French, the language of the exam: En quelle année la Convention internationale des droits de l'enfant est-elle adoptée ?
The Convention was adopted by the UN on 20 November 1989.
According to the sheet, whom can you contact if there is a problem?
In French, the language of the exam: Selon la fiche, qui pouvez-vous contacter en cas de problème ?
The sheet says: if there is a problem, contact the Defender of Rights.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
More in this topic (Parenthood)
- Childcare options for children under 3
- Withdrawal of parental authority
- Parents' duties and role at school
Source
Sheet “Les droits de l'enfant” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.