NOW!
JOIN US FOR ADVOCATING THE UN CONVENTION ON CHILD RIGHTS AND ENSURING SAFE ENVIRONMENTS FOR ALL YOUTH.
Global Network
ADVOCACY TEAM
Br. Lloyd Gamboa
Philippines Sector
Br. Rommel Ocasiones
China Sector
Regional Specialist
Korea-Japan Sector
GLOBAL CHILD RIGHTS ADVOCACY
The Marist Institute and FMSI (Marist International Solidarity Foundation) advocate for children's rights globally at the United Nations and across all Marist provinces.
UN Advocacy and UPR
Since 2007, FMSI maintains an official office in Geneva, participating in the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to defend children's rights internationally.
UN CRC Standards
Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child across all Marist schools, formation centers, and pastoral ministries worldwide.
Youth Participation
Global campaigns such as "My Voice, My Right" and "Children Builders of Peace" empower youth as active leaders in society.
Universal Safeguarding
Universal Child Protection Policies establishing safe environments, mandatory reporting, and zero tolerance for abuse in all institutions.
Learn More About Marist Child Rights in Rome
Explore full documentation, global reports, UN submissions, and campaign materials on the official General Administration portal at champagnat.org.
UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (UNCRC)
The UNCRC defines the fundamental civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child. Our Marist safeguarding policies strictly enforce these international protection standards.
Protection from Violence and Abuse
Governments and institutions must protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect, maltreatment, or exploitation by caregivers and authority figures.
Best Interests of the Child
In all actions concerning children—whether undertaken by social welfare institutions, courts, administrative authorities, or legislative bodies—the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.
Respect for the Child's Voice
Every child capable of forming their own views has the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting them, with their opinions given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity.
Protection from Exploitation
Children must be protected from economic exploitation, hazardous labor, and all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, trafficking, or unlawful activities prejudicial to their welfare.
Right to Safe Education
Education must be accessible to every child and directed to the full development of their personality, talents, and abilities in a spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, and equality.
Life, Survival and Universal Equality
Every child has the inherent right to life, survival, and maximum development. All rights apply equally without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, status, or background.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a historic international agreement that guarantees 54 fundamental human rights to every person under 18 without discrimination. It promises all children the right to life, health, free education, protection from violence, and the freedom to express their views on decisions affecting them. Governments and communities worldwide are legally bound to uphold these rights, ensuring every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment.
The UN Child Rights Document — Made Easy!
Explore all 54 Articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), explained in easy-to-understand words for children, youth, and educators!
Definition of a Child
Everyone under the age of 18 is a child and has all the rights in this Convention.
Non-Discrimination
All rights apply to every child without exception, no matter who they are or where they live.
Best Interests of the Child
Adults must always do what is best for children when making decisions that affect them.
Making Rights Real
Governments must do everything possible to make sure all children enjoy their full rights.
Family Guidance
Families have the right and responsibility to guide children as they learn to use their rights.
Life, Survival and Growth
Every child has the inherent right to live, survive, and grow up healthy in a safe world.
Name and Nationality
Every child has the right to an official name, nationality, and to know and be cared for by their parents.
Preservation of Identity
Governments must respect and protect a child's identity, name, nationality, and family ties.
Keeping Families Together
Children must not be separated from their parents unless it is necessary for their own protection.
Family Reunification
Families living in different countries must be allowed to move across borders to reunite.
Preventing Abduction
Governments must prevent children from being illegally taken out of their country.
Respect for Children's Views
Children have the right to express their views freely, and adults must listen and take them seriously.
Freedom of Expression
Children can share their thoughts and information through talking, writing, art, or any media.
Freedom of Thought and Religion
Children have the right to choose their thoughts, beliefs, and religion with parental guidance.
Freedom of Association
Children can join or set up groups, clubs, and meet peacefully with other young people.
Right to Privacy
Children have the right to privacy in their home, personal life, letters, and reputation.
Access to Safe Media
Children have the right to get reliable, safe information from books, news, and digital media.
Parental Responsibilities
Both parents share the responsibility of raising their children, supported by government services.
Protection from Violence
Children must be protected from all physical or mental violence, harm, neglect, and abuse.
Care for Children Without Family
Children who cannot live with their families must receive special protection and safe foster care.
Safe Adoption Rules
When children are adopted, their safety and best interests must always be the top priority.
Refugee Children
Children seeking refuge in another country have the right to special protection and assistance.
Children with Disabilities
Children with special needs have the right to full, active lives, education, and dignity.
Health, Food & Water
Children have the right to good healthcare, clean water, nutritious food, and clean environments.
Review of Care Treatment
Children living in foster or medical care have the right to regular reviews of their situation.
Social Security
Governments must provide financial support to help families raising children in need.
Adequate Standard of Living
Every child has the right to food, clothing, housing, and a safe place to grow up.
Right to Free Education
Primary education must be free and mandatory for every child without barrier.
Goals of Education
Education must build character, talents, peace, dignity, and respect for human rights.
Minority Culture & Language
Children have the right to practice their own culture, speak their language, and practice their religion.
Right to Rest & Play
Children have the right to rest, play games, create art, and enjoy leisure activities.
Protection from Child Labor
Children must be protected from hazardous work or economic exploitation that interferes with school.
Protection from Dangerous Drugs
Governments must protect children from taking or dealing dangerous, illegal drugs.
Protection from Sexual Abuse
Children must be protected from all forms of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
Prevention of Trafficking
Governments must stop children from being abducted, sold, or trafficked for any purpose.
Protection from Other Harm
Children must be protected from any other activities that harm their health, growth, or welfare.
Protection from Cruelty & Detention
No child shall be subjected to torture, cruel treatment, or illegal imprisonment.
Protection in Armed Conflict
Children under 15 must not join the military or participate in war and armed conflict.
Healing & Recovery
Children who suffered abuse, war, or trauma have the right to medical care, healing, and dignity.
Juvenile Justice
Children accused of breaking laws must be treated fairly, respectfully, and given legal help.
Respect for Stronger Laws
If a country's laws protect children better than the UNCRC, those stronger national laws apply.
Know Your Rights
Governments must make these 54 rights widely known to both adults and children across the nation.
UN Committee on Child Rights
An international panel of experts monitors how countries protect children and enforce rights.
State Reporting Duties
Governments must submit regular progress reports to the UN on child rights compliance.
UNICEF & Expert Cooperation
UNICEF and authorized human rights agencies partner with states to strengthen child protection.
Treaty Signature
All sovereign nations are invited to sign the international Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Formal Ratification
States officially ratify the treaty to incorporate child rights laws into national legal systems.
Accession
Any state may accede to the Convention at any time to guarantee full legal rights for children.
Entry into Force
The treaty became active international law 30 days after the 20th nation deposited its instrument.
Amendments Process
Member nations can propose legal amendments to expand and improve child protection rules.
Reservations Rules
States cannot make reservations incompatible with the fundamental object and purpose of the treaty.
Denunciation Notice
Specifies formal procedures and a 1-year notification period required for any treaty denunciation.
Treaty Depositary
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is designated as the official custodian of the treaty.
Authentic Languages
The original text is equally authentic in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
196 countries worldwide have ratified the UNCRC — the most widely approved human rights treaty in history!
STEPS FOR ADVOCATING CHILD RIGHTS
Our 5-step operational framework translates international human rights law into concrete local practices across all Marist schools, youth ministries, and community centers in East Asia.
Awareness and Education
Educating youth, teachers, and communities on the UN Convention on Child Rights and institutional safety standards.
Capacity Building
Conducting specialized safeguarding formation for Marist Brothers, educators, staff, and child protection officers.
Direct Protection
Enforcing zero-tolerance protection protocols, mandatory reporting channels, and confidential help desks.
Youth Empowerment
Empowering children as active protagonists through youth leadership forums, campaigns, and decision-making roles.
Systemic Influence
Collaborating with FMSI and UN Universal Periodic Reviews to advocate for systemic child policy reforms globally.
Crisis Support Team
Support and Help Desks
Specialized desks for global inquiries. We guarantee complete anonymity and absolute confidentiality for all communications.
Global Secretariat
helpdesk@maristeastasia.orgEmergency Hotline
(083) 552-5994
Mission Focus
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Advocating for the UN Convention on Child Rights
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Preventing all forms of abuse and exploitation
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Holding institutions accountable for protections
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Empowering children with knowledge and agency