10 November 2009
CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD TURNS TWENTY
The Convention represents a major milestone in the effort to achieve a world fit for children. As a binding treaty of international law, it codifies principles that Member States of the United Nations agreed to be universal – for all children, in all countries and cultures, at all times and without exception, simply through the fact of their being born into the human family.
The treaty has inspired changes in laws to better protect children, altered the way international organizations see their work for children, and supported an agenda to better protect children in situations of armed conflict.
Information about progress that has been made in advancing the fundamental rights of children under the Convention and the principal areas of challenge that remain can be found here.