What are human rights?

Human rights are fundamental rights that belong to every person simply because he/she is a human being.

Human rights are based on the principle that every human being is born equal in dignity and rights. All human rights are equally important and they cannot be taken away under any circumstances.

What is the purpose of human rights?

Human rights are important because they protect our right to live in dignity, which includes the right to life, freedom and security. To live in dignity means that we should have things such as a decent place to live and enough to eat. It means we should be able to participate in society, to receive an education, to work, to practice our religion, to speak our own language, and to live in peace.

Human rights are a tool to protect people from violence and abuse.

Human rights foster mutual respect among people.

Human rights incite conscious and responsible action to ensure the rights of others are not violated. For example, it is our right to live free from all forms of discrimination, but at the same time, it is our responsibility not to discriminate against others.

What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the founding document of human rights. Adopted on December 10, 1948 by the United Nations, the UDHR stands as a common reference point for the world and sets common standards of achievement in human rights. 

Although the UDHR does not officially have force of law, its fundamental principles have become  international standards worldwide and most countries view the UDHR as international law.

Human rights have been codified in various legal documents at the international, national, provincial and municipal levels. In Canada, human rights are defined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as in laws and codes adopted at the provincial level.

To consult the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and to learn about provincial laws and codes, visit the website of the Canadian Human Rights Commission:

http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/links/default-en.asp.

Summary of the Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 1. Right to equality

Article 2. Freedom from discrimination

Article 3. Right to life, freedom, personal security

Article 4. Freedom from slavery

Article 5. Freedom from torture and degrading treatment

Article 6. Right to recognition as a person before the law

Article 7. Right to equality before the law

Article 8. Right to remedy by competent tribunal

Article 9. Freedom from arbitrary arrest, exile

Article 10. Right to a fair public hearing

Article 11. Right to be considered innocent until proven guilty

Article 12. Freedom from interference with privacy, family, home, and correspondence

Article 13. Right to free movement in and out of any country

Article 14. Right to asylum in other countries from persecution

Article 15. Right to a nationality and freedom to change it

Article 16. Right to marriage and family

Article 17. Right to own property

Article 18. Freedom of belief and religion

Article 19. Freedom of opinion and information

Article 20. Right of peaceful assembly and association

Article 21. Right to participate in government and free elections

Article 22. Right to social security

Article 23. Right to desirable work and to join trade unions

Article 24. Right to rest and leisure

Article 25. Right to adequate living standards

Article 26. Right to education

Article 27. Right to participate in cultural life and community

Article 28. Right to social order assuring human rights

Article 29. Community duties essential to free and full development

Article 30. Freedom from state and personal Interference

Children’s Rights

What are the rights of the child?

The rights of the child are specific rights that aim to protect all human beings younger than 18 years old.

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The human rights proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights apply to all human beings regardless of their age, and as such children benefit from the same rights as adults. However, because of their vulnerable position in society, children also have specific rights that afford them special protection.

What is the purpose of having children’s rights?

Children’s rights aim to ensure that each child has the opportunity to  reach their full potential. Children’s rights stipulate that all children – without discrimination (Article 2) – should be able to develop fully, have access to education and health care, grow up in an appropriate environment, be informed about their rights, and  participate actively in society.

Children’s rights are a tool to protect children from violence and abuse.

Children’s rights foster mutual respect among people.

Respect for the rights of the child can only be fully achieved when everyone, including children themselves, recognizes that every person has the same rights, and then adopts attitudes and behaviours of respect, inclusion and acceptance.

What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that recognizes the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children.

This treaty was adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989.

In December 1991, Canada ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child and thus committed itself under international law to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights of children in Canada.

The Convention requires governments from around the world to respect and uphold children’s rights, particularly through the laws they develop at a national level.

However, in order for children to fully enjoy their rights, the fundamental principles of the Convention must be respected and promoted by all members of society from parents, to educators, to the children themselves.

To consult the Convention on the Rights of the Child or for more information about children’s rights, visit UNICEF’s website: http://www.unicef.org/crc.

What are the guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The four guiding principles outlined here represent the underlying requirements for any and all rights of the Convention to be realized. These principles must be respected in order for children to enjoy their rights.

1. Non-discrimination and equal opportunity

(Article 2)

All children have the same rights. The Convention applies to all children, whatever their ethnic origin, religion, language, culture, or sex. It does not matter where they come from or where they live, what their parents do, whether they have a disability, or whether they are rich or poor. All children must have the same opportunity to reach their full potential.

2. Best interests of the child (Article 3)

The best interests of the child must be the primary consideration when making decisions that may affect children. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect the children.

3. Right to life, survival and development (Article 6)

Children have the right to life. Children must receive the care necessary to ensure their physical, mental, and emotional health as well as their intellectual, social and cultural development.

4. Participation (Article 12)

Children have the right to express themselves and to be heard. They must have the opportunity to express their opinions regarding decisions that affect  them and their opinions must be taken into account.

This being said, the child’s age, level of maturity, and best interests should always be kept in mind when considering the ideas and opinions of children.