Because of its near-universal accep

Because of its near-universal acceptance by the community of nations, the Convention on the Rights of the Child has brought into sharp focus for the first time the fundamental human dignity of all children and the urgency of ensuring their well-being and development. The
Convention on the
Rights of the Child specifically refers to the family
as
the fundamental
group
of
society and the natural environment
for
the growth and well-being of its members, particularly children.


Under the Convention,
States are obliged to
respect parents’ prima­ry
responsibility for
providing
care and guidance
for their children
and
to support parents in this regard, providing material assistance and sup­ port programmes. States are also obliged to prevent children from being separated from their families unless the separation is judged necessary for the child’s best interests.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child confirms that children have a right to express their views and to have their views taken seriously and given due weight — but it does not state that children’s views are the only ones to be considered. The Convention also states that children have a responsibility to respect the rights of others, especially those of parents.

The principle of non-discrimination is included in all the basic hu­man rights instruments and has been carefully defined by the bodies responsible for monitoring their implementation.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989. It entered into force 2 September 1990, in accordance with article 49.