Here you will find basic information about children's rights in Ireland.
Children's rights are human rights for all children and young people under 18 years of age. Human rights cover all areas of life and all people. Their purpose is to make sure everyone can lead a fulfilled life with respect, dignity and freedom. The United Nations (UN) is the main body that governs human rights. It was set up after the Second World War, in 1945, to encourage peace and respect for human life and dignity across the world.
On 20 November 1989, after ten years of discussion, a separate set of rights was created for children and young people, called the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This human rights treaty sets out what governments must do to ensure children and young people everywhere have a good life. It describes all the things that children need in order to get the most from life.
On 28 September 1992, the Irish State ratified the UNCRC and therefore committed itself to promote, protect and fulfil the rights of children in Ireland.
Nearly every country in the world has ratified the UNCRC, except Somalia and the USA.
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