Understanding the fundamental rights every child deserves — and why protecting them matters.

At Global Fund for Children, protecting children’s rights is central to our mission to help children and young people thrive. We partner with grassroots organizations around the world that are creating safer environments, expanding access to education, and empowering children to shape their own futures.

What are children’s rights?

Children’s rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every child, regardless of where they live, their background, or their circumstances.These rights help ensure that all children can:

• Grow up safe and protected
• Access education and healthcare
• Be heard and respected
• Reach their full potential

Children’s rights are protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international agreement adopted in 1989 that sets out how children should be treated and protected.

What are the key principles of children’s rights?

Children’s rights are guided by four key principles outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

• Non-Discrimination: Every child has rights, regardless of their gender, race, religion, disability, nationality, or background.
• Best Interests of the Child: Adults and institutions should make decisions based on what is best for the child’s wellbeing and development.
• Right to Life, Survival, and Development: Every child has the right to grow up healthy, safe, and supported.
• Respect for the Views of the Child: Children have the right to express their opinions and have them taken seriously in matters that affect them.

Why are children’s rights important?

Children’s rights help create safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities. When children’s rights are protected:

• More children can access education and opportunities
• Children are better protected from violence, abuse, and exploitation
• Young people can participate in decisions that affect their lives
• Communities become stronger and more resilient

Yet millions of children around the world still face barriers that prevent them from fully enjoying their rights. This is why awareness, advocacy, and community-led action are so important.

How does Global Fund for Children support children’s rights?

At Global Fund for Children, we believe that children and young people are powerful agents of change. We support innovative grassroots organizations around the world that are working every day to protect children’s rights, advance their wellbeing, and create opportunities for them to thrive.

Our community-based partners work to:

• Create safe, inclusive spaces where children and young people can learn, grow, and be heard
• Expand access to quality education, healthcare, and other essential services
• Prevent violence, abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices that put children at risk
• Promote gender equity and inclusion for childsren and young people who experience exlusion or discrimination.
• Support children and youth to develop leadership skills, advocate for their rights, and drive change in their communities
• Strengthen families and communities so that children can grow up in supportive, nurturing environments

Through flexible funding, capacity strengthening, and long-term partnerships, we help local organizations build sustainable solutions that respond to the unique needs of their communities. By investing in grassroots leaders who understand the challenges children face firsthand, we help create lasting change that is led by communities and shaped by children and young people themselves.

Here is one example of how community-led organizations are protecting children’s rights.

In India, Enfold India has spent more than two decades working to create safer environments for children by bringing personal safety, sexuality, and child rights education directly into schools and communities. Founded by two doctors who recognized the urgent need for child protection and prevention education, Enfold takes a holistic approach to safeguarding children.

The organization also works closely with parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and local authorities to strengthen the systems that help keep children safe. By engaging both children and the adults around them, Enfold is helping build communities where children are listened to, respected, and protected.

Since 2001, Enfold has reached more than 200,000 children and young people across India and trained nearly 60,000 parents, teachers, and support staff. Its work has helped empower children to speak up, access support, and better understand their rights.

With support from Global Fund for Children, grassroots partners like Enfold are helping ensure more children can grow up safe, supported, and heard.

Help protect children’s rights

Every child deserves safety, opportunity, and a voice.Your support helps grassroots organizations around the world protect children’s rights and create lasting change in their communities.

Frequently ssked questions about children’s rights

What are children’s rights in simple terms?

Children’s rights are the basic rights every child has to be safe, healthy, educated, and heard.

What is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

It is an international agreement that defines children’s rights and the responsibilities of governments to protect them.

Why are children’s rights important?

They help ensure children can grow up safe, reach their potential, and participate fully in society.

Do children have the same rights as adults?

Children are entitled to the same human rights as adults, but they also have additional rights that recognize their specific needs and vulnerabilities. Because children are still growing and developing, they often require additional protection, support, and care to ensure they can thrive safely and equally.

How can I support children’s rights?

You can support organizations working directly with children and communities, raise awareness, and advocate for policies that protect children.