Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that recognizes the rights of children.
It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in November 1989.
The Québec and Canadian governments signed the Convention in December 1991. By doing so, they committed to upholding and enforcing its principles for all children in Québec and other parts of Canada.
The Convention’s core principles
- Non-discrimination. All children have rights, regardless of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, social status, etc.
- Devotion to the child’s best interests in all matters that affect them. People responsible for children must meet their specific needs and respect their rights.
- Children’s right to life, survival and development, including intellectual, emotional, cognitive, social and cultural development.
- Participation. Children’s views must be taken into account in matters that affect them.
Children talk about their rights on the International Day of the Rights of the Child. (French only)
Learn more
- Convention on the Rights of the Child poster (in child-friendly language)
- About the Convention on the Rights of the Child