Human rights are children’s rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) regards children as legal subjects who are entitled to human rights and fundamental freedoms. It provides children with the right to be heard in all matters affecting them. Giving them a voice means empowering children and young people, resulting in strengthening their socioeconomic situation and social safety.
The Convention was adopted in 1989 and entered into force the following year. It is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty.
For a more detailed history of children's rights before the Convention on the Rights of the Child please see the Procedural History from the Audiovisual Library of International Law
The Convention on the Rights of the Child entered into force on 2 September 1990, thirty days after the date of deposit of the twentieth instrument of ratification, as provided for in its article 49. States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child have committed to respect and ensure the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. The Convention provides for the realization of these rights by setting standards for health, education, legal, civil, and social services for children.
Three optional protocols to the Convention have been adopted by the General Assembly.
The Status of Treaties database, available from the UN Treaty Information website, will tell you about the current status of the convention and optional protocols, including the signatories and parties of the agreements.