UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
in easy to understand language

Article 31
All children have a right to play and to relax and to join in a wide range of activities.

Article 32
The Government should protect children from work that is dangerous, might harm them or interfere with their education.

Article 33
The Government should find ways of protecting children from dangerous drugs.

Article 34
The Government should protect children from sexual abuse.

Article 35
The Government should make sure that children are not kidnapped or sold.

Article 36
Children and young people should be protected from any activities that could harm their development.

Article 37
Children who break the law should not be treated cruelly. They should not be put in prison with adults and should be able to keep in contact with their families.

Article 38
Governments should not allow children under 15 to join the army. Children who live in war zones should have special protection.

Article 39
Children who have been neglected or abused should have special support to help restore their self-respect.

Article 40
Children who are accused of breaking the law should receive legal help. Prison sentences for children should only be used for the most serious offences.

Article 41
If the laws in a particular country protect children and young people better than this Convention, then those laws should stay in place.

Article 42
The Government must make the Convention known to all parents and children.

Articles 43 to 54
These articles are all about how adults and governments should work together to make sure all children get their rights and know about them.