UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959)

The UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) is a landmark, non‑binding resolution that outlines ten fundamental principles designed to protect children’s welfare, dignity, and rights worldwide.

Below is a clear, structured explanation based on the official text adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20th November 1959.

UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959)

The 1959 Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly to affirm that children, because of their physical and mental immaturity, require special safeguards, care, and legal protection. It expanded on the earlier 1924 Geneva Declaration and laid the groundwork for the later, legally binding Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

*

The Declaration contains 10 guiding principles:

1. Non‑discrimination

Every child is entitled to all rights in the Declaration without distinction based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, or any other status.

2. Special protection and opportunities

Children must receive special protection and opportunities to develop physically, mentally, morally, spiritually, and socially in conditions of freedom and dignity.

3. Right to a name and nationality

Every child has the right from birth to a name and nationality.

4. Social security and health

Children are entitled to social security, adequate nutrition, housing, recreation, and medical care, including prenatal and postnatal care for mothers.

5. Special care for children with disabilities

Children with physical, mental, or social disabilities must receive special treatment, education, and care.

6. Love, understanding, and parental care

Children should grow up in an atmosphere of affection and moral security, preferably under parental care, unless exceptional circumstances prevent this.

7. Free and compulsory education

Children have the right to free and compulsory elementary education that promotes equal opportunity, culture, moral responsibility, and social usefulness.

8. Priority in protection and relief

In all circumstances, children must be among the first to receive protection and relief, especially in emergencies.

9. Protection from neglect, cruelty, and exploitation

Children must be protected from all forms of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation, including child labour that harms health or education.

10. Education for peace and tolerance

Children should be raised in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among peoples, and universal brotherhood, free from discrimination.

Why the Declaration Matters

Although not legally binding, the 1959 Declaration shaped global norms and directly inspired the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, now the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. It remains a foundational document for child welfare policies worldwide.