UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Every child has the right to attend school and learn the essentials for personal development. The Convention of November 20, 1989 on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Switzerland in 1997, orients our actions and thinking.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has rights: the right to life, education and protection against violence - but also the right to express their opinion. These rights are guaranteed to every child regardless of gender or origin.

The four main principles of the Convention are:

  • Non-discrimination (Article 2) : member States undertake to protect the child against all forms of discrimination and to take positive measures to ensure that children's rights are effectively respected;
  • The best interests of the child (Article 3) : In all actions concerning children , the best interests of the child must be of paramount consideration ;
  • The right to life and development (Article 6) : Children are vulnerable, they are in particular need of protection and support; their development must be ensured;
  • The right to express their opinion (Article 12) : the child has the right to freely express views in all matters affecting them.

 

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in its entirety