Learn about children’s rights here and around the world.
1. Children’s rights are the same around the world.
Even though 196 countries have signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), this does not mean that rights have been implemented the same way everywhere.
2. All children go to school, regardless of the country.
Article 28 of the Convention states that all children have the right to education. In reality, about 250 million children do not go to school, due primarily to war, discrimination, poverty, and child marriage. UNESCO. (2024).
3. In Quebec, children have access to free health care.
Bill 83, adopted in June 2021 and enacted on September 22, 2021, expanded access to health insurance and medications for several categories of children, whether born in Quebec or not.
4. Child marriage is banned around the world.
Child marriage is still legal or accepted in many countries, despite international laws. Each year, some 12 million girls under 18 years of age are forced into marriage. But it’s not only girls. It’s estimated that over 115 million boys were also married before adult age.
5. In some countries, children are used as soldiers in armed conflicts.
Requiring children to participate in war is prohibited by international law. Yet, it’s estimated that over 250,000 children are involved in armed conflicts around the world.
6. All countries must guarantee children the right to play.
Article 31 of the Convention states that children have the right to play and leisure. Therefore, all countries must guarantee children this fundamental right.
7. In Quebec, the minimum age for employment is 11 years.
The minimum age for employment in Quebec is 14 years and certain conditions apply. Exception: Children under 14 years of age can occupy certain jobs (such as delivering newspapers and babysitting), but only with their parents’ written authorization.
8. There are still places where children are not registered at birth.
Having a birth certificate is an important right, recognized in article 7 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Yet, an estimated 150 million children do not have an official birth certificate.
9. Some children are separated from their parents when they immigrate.
In certain countries, immigration laws have the effect of separating children from their parents, particularly in the case of irregular entry or asylum claims.
10. Children in Quebec have the right to express their opinion on decisions that affect them.
Under article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to express their opinion on decisions that affect them, depending on their age and level of maturity.
11. In some countries, children must work to help their families instead of going to school.
True.
Child labour affects approximately 160 million children around the world.
12. Early and forced marriages only occur in developing countries.
The phenomenon also exists in industrialized countries. In Canada, until 2015, some provinces permitted marriage at 14 years of age. Now, the minimum age is 16 years.
