HUMAN rights are the rights possessed by all persons, by virtue of their common humanity, to live a life of

freedom and dignity.

CHILDRENS rights are human rights for every child and adolescent up to the age of 18, regardless of where
they are born, their race or ethnicity, whether they are a boy or girl, rich or poor, able or disabled, HIV-
negative or HIV-positive.

Children have separate rights because childhood is a special time in our lives. It is a time when children,
because of their vulnerability, need special considerationcare, nurturing and protectionto ensure they
survive, thrive, and realise their full potential as productive members of society.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) upholds these rights for all children,
everywhere, so they may grow to realise their full potential and contribute towards society and
nationbuilding.