Laws protecting children's rights

There are many international human rights treaties and domestic laws which protect children’s rights. International human rights treaties are agreements between different governments around the world. When a country ratifies (signs up to) a treaty, it takes on legal obligations under international law. Domestic laws are laws decided by the UK Government and Parliament.

  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

    The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international treaty – an agreement between all the countries that have signed it – which was developed specifically for children.

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  • European Convention on Human Rights

    The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is an international human rights treaty that gives all people – adults, children and young people - a set of rights, such as the right to life and the right to freedom of religion.

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  • Human Rights Act 1998

    The Human Rights Act 1998 brings the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law. This means that children can bring cases in relation to the ECHR in UK  courts, though ultimately they can still seek protection through the European Court of Human Rights.

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  • Equality Act 2010

    The Equality Act came into force in 2010 to protect everyone, including children and young people, from discrimination and to advance equality and opportunity for all. 

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