THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

States parties to the Convention are obliged to develop and undertake all actions and policies in the light of the best interests of the child. The Convention sets out these rights in 54 articles and two Optional Protocols. It spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere have: • the right to survival; • to develop to the fullest; • to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; • and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. The four core principles of the Convention are • non-discrimination; • devotion to the best interests of the child; • the right to life, survival and development; • and respect for the views of the child.