This guide makes the links between the rights, as laid out in the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) in 1989, and sexual and reproductive rights – traditionally one of the most controversial areas in UN discussions.

These rights are the most powerful legal instrument available to all children for the protection and enforcement of their human rights. It has been ratified by every country in the world, with the exception of USA and Somalia.

What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
The CRC is a set of legal rules. It has 54 different paragraphs (articles) that cover the rights of children and young people. Some of these rights apply to your sexual and reproductive health.

191 governments around the world have signed and approved the CRC. They have promised to make sure that all children and young people below the age of 18 years, survive, grow, are protected and participate as active members of society.