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Because of its near-universal acceptance by the community of nations,
the Convention on the Rights of the Child has brought into sharp focus for
the first time the fundamental human dignity of all children and the urgency
of ensuring their well-being and development. The Convention on the Rights
of the Child specifically refers to the family as the fundamental group of
society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of its
members, particularly children.
Under the Convention, States are obliged to respect parents’ primary
responsibility for providing care and guidance for their children and to
support parents in this regard, providing material assistance and support
programmes. States are also obliged to prevent children from being
separated from their families unless the separation is judged necessary for
the child’s best interests.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child confirms that children have a
right to express their views and to have their views taken seriously and given
due weight — but it does not state that children’s views are the only ones to
be considered. The Convention also states that children have a responsibility
to respect the rights of others, especially those of parents.
The principle of non-discrimination is included in all the basic human
rights instruments and has been carefully defined by the bodies responsible
for monitoring their implementation.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted and opened for
signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25
of 20 November 1989. It entered into force 2 September 1990, in accordance
with article 49.
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