Did you know that all children and youth have rights, including YOU!
All young people have these rights regardless of who they are, where they live, what their parents do, what language they speak, what their religion is, their gender or gender identity, what their culture is, whether they have a disability, or whether they are rich or poor. No child should be treated unfairly for any reason, according to Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.No single right is more important than another and often when one right is not met, it is common that several others are not met as well.
Did you know that young people have rights, including the right to know your rights?
Children and youth have many rights.
- You have the right to healthy food, clean water, and clothes to keep you warm.
- You have the right to be heard and have adults do what is best for you.
- You have the right to be a part of all decisions made about you.
- You have the right to be safe. No one is allowed to hurt you physically, emotionally, or punish you in a cruel or harmful way.
- You have the right to live in a safe home with a family that loves you.
- You have the right to help when you need it.
Can you list all 42 rights that young people have? For a list, click here to see the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Young people in care
Are you in foster care? Were you adopted? Do you live with extended family as per a government arrangement/agreement?
If you live away from your biological family, you have these important rights too:
- You have the right to live with your parent(s), unless it is bad for you. You have the right to live with a family that loves and cares for you.
- If you live away from your family, you have the right to be together in the same place, if it is safe to do so.
- You have the right to give your opinion and for adults to listen and take it seriously.
- You have the right to care and protection if you are adopted or in foster care.
- If you live in care or in other situations away from home, you have the right to have your living arrangements looked at regularly to see if they are the most appropriate for you.
Young people involved with the law
Did you do something wrong or are being accused of doing something wrong? Are you in trouble with the law? Are you currently at Isumaqsunnigittukkuvik Young Offenders Facility?
Even if you have done something wrong or committed a crime, you have rights.
- You have the right to legal help and fair treatment in the justice system that respects you.
- You have the right to privacy.
- You have the right to give your opinion and for adults to listen and take it seriously.
- You have the right to be safe. No one is allowed to hurt you physically, emotionally, or punish you in a cruel or harmful way.
Did you know that our child advocates work for you?
That’s right, we work for you! It is our job to make sure adults and government do what is best for child and youth. We want to make sure your rights are supported and your needs are met.
When you work with one of our child advocates, they will:
- Listen to you and focus on what matters to you
- Ask you what you want and need
- Tell you what they can do for you
- Answer your questions in a way you can understand
- Help you tell others what you need
- Attend meetings with you
- Return your calls
- Meet with you in a place where you feel are comfortable
- Help you get answers to your questions
- Explain what confidentiality means
- Explain things so you understand
Our job is to make sure you have everything you need and have a right to.