KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Listens. Supports. Speaks up.
Hello, my name is Rocio Cifuentes and I’ll be the Children’s Commissioner for Wales from April 2022 until April 2029 It’s my job to: Support you to find out about your rights. Listen to what’s important to you. Advise you, and those who care for you, if you think you’ve been treated unfairly. Influence others to make sure all children get their rights. Speak up for you on important issues.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, or the UNCRC, is a list of rights that all children and young people in Wales and across the world have. Article 1: Everyone under 18 has these rights.
Article 2: All children have these rights no matter what. All children should be treated equally.
Article 11:
Article 22:
Article 33:
You have the right not to be kidnapped or taken out of the country illegally.
If you are a refugee, you have the same rights as any other child in the country.
You have the right to be protected from dangerous drugs.
Article 12:
Article 23:
Article 34:
You have the right to be listened to and taken seriously.
If you are disabled, you have the right to special care and support so that you can lead a full and independent life.
Nobody should touch you in ways that make you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or sad.
Article 13: You have the right to find out and share information, and say what you think.
Article 14:
Article 24:
You have the right to not be abducted, sold or trafficked.
You have the right to clean water, healthy food, a clean environment and good healthcare.
Article 36:
Article 25:
Adults should always do what is best for you.
You have the right to practise your own religion, as long as you’re not stopping people from enjoying their rights.
Article 4:
Article 15:
Article 26:
The Government should make sure that all children and young people get these rights.
You have the right to meet with friends and join groups.
You have the right to support from the Government if your family hasn’t got enough money to live on.
Article 5:
Article 16:
Article 27:
The Government should respect the right of your family to help you know about your rights.
You have the right to privacy.
You have the right to a proper house, food and clothing. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this.
Article 6:
You have the right to honest information from the media that you can understand, as long as it’s safe.
Article 3:
You have the right to life, to grow up and reach your full potential.
Article 17:
Article 18:
You have the right to a name and a nationality.
Article 8:
Article 19:
You have the right to an identity.
Article 9: You have the right to live with your parents, if this is what’s best for you.
Article 10: You have the right to see your family even if they live in a different country.
If you’re not living with your family, you have the right to a regular check on how you’re being cared for.
Article 28:
You have the right to be kept safe from things that could harm your development.
Article 37: You have the right not to be punished in a cruel or hurtful way.
Article 38: You have the right to be protected during a war and not to fight in the army if you’re under 15.
Article 39: You have the right to special help if you’ve been hurt or badly treated.
You have the right to an education. You have the right to be brought up by both parents, if possible.
Article 7:
Article 29: You have the right to be the best you can be. Education must help you develop your skills and talents to the full.
Article 40: You have the right to legal help and to be treated fairly if you’ve been accused of breaking the law.
Article 41:
You have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated.
Article 30:
If the laws in your country protect you better than the rights in this list, those laws should stay in place.
Article 20:
You have the right to speak your own language and follow your family’s way of life.
Article 42:
Article 31:
The Government must let children and families know about children’s rights.
You have the right to be looked after properly if you can’t live with your own family.
You have the right to relax and play.
Article 21: If you can’t live with your parents, you have the right to live in the best place for you.
Learning more about rights Whether you're a young person, or an adult working with young people, we've got lots of resources on our website to help you learn more about rights. You can also join one of our ambassador schemes, which hundreds of schools and clubs across Wales are already a part of.
Article 35:
Article 32: You have the right to be protected from doing dangerous work.
Articles 43-54: These articles are about how adults and the Government must work together to make sure all children get their rights.
Do you need to talk to us about a problem?
Get in touch
Our Investigations and Advice service is free and confidential. It’s there to help and support children and their families. Get in touch to find out how we can help: Phone: 0808 801 1000 Email: advice@childrenscommissioner.wales
Website: www.childrenscommissioner.wales Email: post@childrenscommissioner.wales @childcomwales