WATCH — Do you know your rights? Kids speak out on National Child Day
Rights list is long and protected by law
The next time you’re put in a situation that doesn’t feel fair or safe, remember this: kids in Canada have rights — and those rights are protected by an international law.
According to a recent poll by Children First Canada, 44 per cent of Canadian kids don't know they have rights.
What are rights? Basically, they’re a list of things you’re allowed to be, do or have.
That list is laid out in a document called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The international agreement was made official 30 years ago and signed by almost 200 countries, including Canada.
Those rights are celebrated every Nov. 20, also known as National Child Day in Canada.
An alliance of organizations that help kids called Children First Canada put together this document as a way to explain what rights Canadian kids are entitled to. (Image credit: Children First Canada)
CBC Kids News contributor Arjun Ram is hosting a live event on Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. ET where kids and special guests from across the country will talk about their rights and what it means for kids to be “seen and heard.”
Examples of your rights
What are some of the rights listed on that international agreement? Here’s a sample.
You have the right to:
- Be alive.
- A name.
- Live with your parents, unless it’s bad for you.
- Share your opinion and for adults to take it seriously.
- Privacy.
- Choose your own religion.
- Practise your culture and speak your language.
- Special education and care if you have a disability.
- Protection from harmful drugs.
- Be free from sexual abuse.
- A safe place to live.
- The best health care possible.
- Safe drinking water and nutritious food.
- A clean and safe environment.
- A good quality education.
- Play.
Watch the video to learn more about those rights, and others.
You’ll also meet four Canadian teens who are fighting to have their rights honoured.
Interested in watching profile videos featuring Canadian teen activists? Check out these links:
- WATCH — Fighting for the right to a healthy climate
- WATCH — Fighting for the right to feel safe in school
- WATCH — Fighting for the right to clean drinking water
- WATCH — Fighting for the right to good mental health
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Graphic design by Philip Street/CBC
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