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Being a young person can be tough. Sometimes it can feel like you don’t have a say about things that affect you. But you do! Having a say is one of your rights. Understanding your rights will give you the power to stand up for yourself and the people around you. So, let’s break down what children’s rights are.

My rights as a young person

What is a right?

Human rights are special protections that help us live a happy, healthy life. Human rights protect the things that we should all have—like clean water and safety. Your rights should always be respected and never taken away from you. 

Universal and equal rights

Human rights are universal and equal. Which means:

  • Everyone has human rights, simply because they are human—no matter who they are, how they identify, or what language they speak, or if they have a disability. 
  • No right is more important than another—all rights are important and should be treated with the same respect.
children holding hands on a hill at sunset

Did you know there are 42 rights just for children?

Children have special rights to meet their special needs. They are written down in an agreement made by world leaders in 1989—the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

See all 42 rights for children

Adults are responsible for making sure children get the special care they need to grow up healthy and happy. 

Here are some important rights for children 

You have the right to:

  1. Be treated fairly no matter what.
  2. Have a say about decisions affecting you.
  3. Live and grow up healthy.
  4. Have people do what is best for you.
  5. Know who you are and where you come from.
  6. Privacy.
  7. Find out information and express yourself.
  8. Be safe no matter where you are.
  9. Be cared for and have a home.
  10. Education, play, and cultural activities.
  11. Believe what you want.
  12. Help and protection if you need it.

What do rights look like in real life?

Let’s use some examples to help you understand your rights.

My right to an education

All children have the right to an education.

  • Hunter lives hundreds of kilometres away from the closest school, but still has a right to an education. 
  • A teacher supports Hunter remotely by sending them lessons and holding classes online.

My right to be heard

All children have the right to be heard and have their views taken into account.

  • Amara has the right to a safe place to live. 
  • A community support worker listens to Amara’s concerns about where she lives. The worker helps Amara find a safer place.

My right to enjoy my culture

All children have a right to know who they are and where they come from. 

  • Nayuka has the right to learn about her culture. 
  • A cultural program teaches her about her mob, her culture, and how to care for Country.  
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

An Indigenous home for Indigenous children

To all of you who work with and for Indigenous children and families - my deepest congratulations. Many of you have spent years decrying the treatment of Indigenous children.You have written and spoken, cajoled and attempted to convince and then lobbied some more - just trying to get the people of this country to open their eyes. Your energy has been boundless. Your patience infinite.

Category, Speech

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