In 1959, the United Nations created an international treaty which addressed the rights of children. Known as the Declaration on the Rights of the Child, this treaty asserts "mankind owes to the child the best it has to give." The Declaration stands as a solid moral framework for children's rights.

Twenty years later, during the International Year of the Child, United Nations members started drafting an enforceable international legal document which holds member states legally accountable for their actions towards children.

Highlights of the Convention

Every child has the inherent right to life, and States shall ensure to the maximum child survival and development.

Every child has the right to a name and nationality from birth.

When courts, welfare institutions or administrative authorities deal with children, the child's best interested shall be a primary consideration.

States shall ensure that each child enjoys full rights without discrimination or distinctions of any kind.

Children should not be separated from their patents, unless by competent authorities for their well-being.

States should facilitate reunification of families by permitting travel into, or out of, their territories.

Parents have the primary responsibility for a child's upbringing, but States shall provide them with appropriate assistance and develop child  care institutions.

States shall protect children from physical or mental harm and neglect, including  sexual abuse or exploitation.

States shall provide parentless children with suitable alternative care. The addition process shall be carefully regulated, and international agreements should be sought to provide safeguards and assure legal validity if and when adoptive parents intend to move the child from his or her country of birth.

Disabled children shall have the right to special treatment, education, and care.

The child is entitled to the highest attainable standard of health. States shall ensure that health care is provided to all children, placing emphasis on preventive measure, health education and reduction of infant mortality.

Primary education shall be free and compulsory; discipline in schools should respect the child's dignity. Education should prepare the child for life in a spirit of understanding, peace, and tolerance.

Children shall have time to rest and play ad equal opportunities for cultural and artistic activities.

States shall protect the child from economic exploitation and work that may interfere with education or be harmful to health and well-being.

States shall protect children from the illegal use of drugs and involvement in drug production or trafficking.

All efforts shall be made to eliminate the abduction and trafficking of children.

Capital punishment or life imprisonment shall not be imposed for crimes committed before the age of 18.

Children in detention should be separated from adults; they must not be tortured or suffer cruel and degrading treatment.

No child under age 15 should take any part in hostilities; children exposed to armed conflict shall receive special attention.

Children  of minority and indigenous populations shall freely enjoy their own culture, religion, and language.

Children who have suffered maltreatment, neglect, or detention should receive appropriate treatment or training for recovery and rehabilitation.

Children involved in infringements of the penal law shall be treated in a way that promotes their sense of dignity and worth and aims at integrating them into society.

States should make the rights in the Convention widely known to both adults and children.