The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a treaty which protects and promotes the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. It was signed in November 20, 1989 and entered into force on September 2, 1990. The Committee on the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), composed of 18 independent experts, monitors the implementation of the UNCRC including its optional protocols.
The CRC also elaborates on the treaty by making General Comments. General Comments analyze and interpret sections of the UNCRC and provide implementation guidelines for State Parties and non-state actors. Although they are not binding, General Comments clarify what are expected of member states in fulfilling their obligations to the Convention. These are especially helpful in guiding them to create national policies and programs that seek to make tangible the principles enshrined in the UNCRC.
The following General Comments have been adopted by the CRC:
- CRC GC1 – Aims of education
- CRC GC2 – Role of NHRIs
- CRC GC3 – HIV AIDS
- CRC GC4 – Adolescent Health and Development
- CRC GC5 – General Measures of Implementation
- CRC GC6 – Treatment of Unaccompanied and Separated Children
- CRC GC7 – Early Childhood
- CRC GC8 – Corporal Punishment
- CRC GC9 – Children with Disabilities
- CRC GC10 – Juvenile Justice
- CRC GC11 – Indigenous Children
- CRC GC12 – Right to be Heard
- CRC GC13 – Freedom from all Forms of Violence
- CRC GC14 – Best Interest of the Child
- CRC GC15 – Highest Standard of Health
- CRC GC16 – Child Rights and Business
- CRC GC17 – Rest, leisure, play, recreational activities and cultural life
- CRC GC18 – Harmful Practices
- CRC GC19 – Public Budgeting for the Realization of Children’s Rights
- CRC GC20 – On the implementation of the rights of the child during adolescence
- CRC GC21 – On Children in Street Situations
