UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (In Norwegian – Barnekonvensjonen) gives a wide range of rights to all children in the countries which have ratified this international convention.

The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child include the right to life, the right to not be discriminated against, and the right to freedom of speech. The child has the right to not be separated from their parents, unless the child is, for example, the victim of abuse and/or neglect. The State has an obligation to provide the child with the protection and care that is necessary for the child’s well-being and development.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that the child’s best interests will be a principle guiding all measures concerning children. The child has the right to be heard, and the opportunity to express their opinion in all matters affecting the child.

Norway ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention has been validated as a Norwegian Law. When the Convention was introduced in Norway, several amendments were made to other Norwegian laws. Should there appear a contradiction between the Convention and Norwegian legislation, the Convention on the Rights of the Child will prevail.