What matters most to children around the world

As one of the most ratified human rights treaties in history, the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has played a significant and vital role in both defining and upholding the rights of children.

It ensures we value children’s lives now, not only their adult futures.

The CRC has also resulted in the implementation of child protection policies and legislation in almost all developing countries.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the CRC on 20 November, we asked the children and young people with whom we work to tell us what matters most to them.

Each child identified one item from the CRC that applied to their lives, and created a work of art to share with supporters like you. 

Here’s what they had to say…

Nilakshika, 13, Sri Lanka

“In my picture, I show the sad faces of the children who are abused. Sometimes people think that because we are small, they can force us to do anything or that they can neglect or hit us and it doesn’t matter. But we also have rights and people must recognise this.”

Christius, 12, Zambia

“Adults should protect their children from bad things, to help them grow well and to not be injured or die. They should also take them to the clinic for injections that protect them from sickness.”

Cosmas, 15, Zambia

 “A lot of us in this community identify with this because this is what we do as we are growing up. We dig for clay soil and make toy cars, radios etc.”

Chi, 10, Vietnam

“Everyone should have the right to an education, I hope that I will finish secondary school then go to high school and on to the highest level of education.”

Kirusanthi, 19, Sri Lanka

“I’m looking for protection for life, for survival and for development. In my picture I show children living in a clean and safe environment. If our environment is protected from disasters and epidemics, people can survive and can develop.”

Astridah, 14, Zambia

“My drawing is a solar-powered borehole, it is important to me as it provides clean water to my family and the people in my village.”

Thang, 10, Vietnam

“In my drawing, a father is about to beat his son. There is also the boy’s grandmother, stopping the father. I saw this when a friend of mine was beaten by his father. I draw this to remind fathers that they should not beat children, they should love them more.”

Sujantha, 12, Sri Lanka

“I chose to draw children playing at school. For female children, we have less opportunity and no access to recreation, due to cultural barriers. When we can have fun together, it is easier to study and also we can learn to be like a team and can build relationships with each other through sport.”