You have the right to live and be safe

The Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees you and all other children the right to life. You have the right to live and be safe, cared for and protected. Adults must protect you from danger, violence and all forms of mistreatment.

What does this mean?

The right to life means, for example, that:

• no one is allowed to hurt you;
• you must be given enough to eat and drink;
• you must have clean clothes and a safe place to live;
• if you become ill, adults must take care of you and help you to recover; and
• if you feel frightened, adults must offer you comfort and protection.

Who can you turn to if you feel unsafe? A safe adult for you might be your parent or another guardian, your teacher, a grandparent or another trusted relative.