Children are the future of our societies, but their earliest experiences influence their course through life and how much they contribute to society in terms of costs and benefits. That’s why it’s important to understand what children need to survive and thrive – including a safe place to live, clean water and food, quality health care and education. They also need protection from violence and abuse, trafficking, exploitation and child labour. Governments have a duty to ensure that these needs are met, especially in times of crisis or disaster.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an agreement by countries that promises to protect children’s rights. It explains who children are, all their rights and what governments must do to keep them safe and healthy. It also sets out a framework for international cooperation so that the best interests of children are considered in all decisions that affect them.

There are four main pillars of the Convention: the right to survival, protection, development and participation. These are complemented by additional articles that cover specific aspects of children’s lives, such as the right to parental guidance, the right to family life and the right to privacy.

Every child has the right to a safe and decent home where they can feel secure and have the chance to develop their potential, in an environment where there is respect for their ethnicity, religion, language, culture and other personal characteristics. They have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, physical and psychological intimidation and sexual abuse by people inside or outside their families. Governments must make sure they have enough money, food and housing to meet their needs, and that children are protected from malnutrition, disease and environmental pollution.

Parents have a legal responsibility to look after and educate their children. If they cannot do this, then another adult must be responsible for bringing them up and this person is known as a guardian. Guardians must not use violence or neglect children. Every child who is looked after by someone other than their parents has the right to be treated with respect and their situation should be checked regularly to make sure it is still working out well for them.

Children have the right to privacy – their families, homes and private communications should be protected by law. It is also their right to express themselves freely and participate in cultural and artistic activities. Governments should take steps to ensure that these rights are available to all children, including children with disabilities.

With UNICEF’s support and inspired by the CRC, governments around the world are changing laws, policies and investments so that more children can get what they need to survive and thrive. There are better safeguards against violence and exploitation, more children are in school, and more of them are being heard when they speak up. This is how we work together for children, because no child should be left behind.