Other international human rights treaties

In addition to the UNCRC, the UK has ratified a number of other international human rights treaties. All of them apply to children as well as adults, even though children may not be specifically mentioned.

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

The UK signed up to ICESCR in 1976. This treaty gives rights relating to education, adequate housing, the highest attainable standard of health, fair and just conditions of work, and sufficient nutritious food and social security.

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International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

The UK signed up to ICCPR in 1976. This treaty gives a wide range of human rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of thought, religion and expression, privacy, home and family life, and equality and non-discrimination.

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UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The UK signed up to CRPD in 2009 and so agreed to protect and promote the rights of all disabled people, including children.

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UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

The UK signed up to CEDAW in 1986, agreeing to take all necessary measures to ensure that all women and girls can enjoy their human rights, without discrimination.

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UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)

The UK adopted CERD in 1969 and so committed to taking action on eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms.

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UN Convention Against Torture and other Forms of Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)

The UK ratified CAT in 1988 and so agreed to take all necessary steps to prohibit torture and all forms of cruel or inhumane treatment, in all settings.

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Human Rights Tracker

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has developed an online tool to track the UK’s record in implementing the international human rights treaties that it has signed up to, including the UNCRC.

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