Children have rights, just like adults.
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Although they are very similar, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) explains that all adults and governments have additional responsibilities to ensure that young people have access to their own rights.
The Convention has 42 articles in total, all based around 4 key principals, which are non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, ensuring survival and development and participation.
It also incorporates a full range of international human rights including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights as well as a few aspects of humanitarian law.
But why do they matter?
"They matter to me because I'm a child and I get to have some say in what happens in my life" answered Stella Jones,12, when asked about why her rights are important to her.
"It's not all up to the adults and I get at least some freedom."
"The best interests of children and young people should be a top priority in all decisions that affect them," Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean said.
"Children and young people have the right to have a say in all matters that affect them and for their views to be taken into account.
This "right to be heard" is essential to promoting and safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people."
Article 1: If you are under 18 years of age, you are a child, and you have rights" -Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989
Alexander Lyons, 14, explained that from his point of view it's all about being equal.
"In my eyes children's rights are so important as they give all children a sense of equality," he said.
"No matter who they are or where they're from they all have the same rights. I feel that nowadays equality is such a big issue but things like this can help change that."
There are so many well-grounded and justifiable reasons as to why children's rights really do matter.
By having our own rights, we are recognised as individuals, not controlled by the adults around us, but defined as equals.
They give us a voice to speak up about our changing world, which is especially important with the increasing issue of climate change and other topics of social injustice.
Children must have their own rights to aid in healthy development. The rights are a safety blanket for young people, reminding them they're not alone, they are important, and they deserve the best life possible.
- Jasmine Jones is a student at Kings Meadows High