Making child rights real

Children’s rights aren't just an idea, they're a promise - and they belong to every child and young person. It's up to all of us to make them real.   

Explore our services

54 reasons exists to make rights real for children and young people in Australia. We deliver rights-based services for more than 25,000 children and families across the country every year, and we’re lifting a national conversation on child rights to change systems, hearts and minds.

0:00
0:00

How can we help?

We deliver programs across Australia that champion children’s rights and support families to thrive. We can help with…

the 54 rights

What are children’s rights, exactly?

In 1989, Australia signed on to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (or UNCRC for short) – an agreement to uphold children’s rights.  

What does this mean, and why does it matter? Click below to learn more!

Learn more about the UNCRC
A young child smiling at the camera indoors.

Children's rights: in their own words

"Every child should be able to have their own opinion and to be able to express that by being heard by others."
Jas, 13 year old, VIC
"Article 24 is an important right – that children have the right to have the best health care possible, clean water, healthy food, and a clean and safe home. Without these things you can’t live properly, or have the best life you can."
Chloe, 14 year old, NT
"I need a support system that will make me feel supported and safe. I need material objects that make me feel economically healthy and I enjoy the company of friends, family and others who make me feel loved and happy."
12 year old, VIC
"I'm really passionate about right 12, which is the right of children to have their opinions respected, especially on issues that affect children. It's really important that children's opinions are considered as valid as adults."
Apurva, 16 year old, SA
"A child right that is important to me is the right to an education - it has a major impact on your life and beneficially changes lives."
Stella, 13 year old, VIC
"It was nice to have my voice heard, which was an experience I really hadn’t had in our community before."
17 year old, NSW

Be part of the change

Careers

Join the Save the Children team!
We're fearless in the pursuit of lasting change for children and communities who need it most.

Join the team

Volunteer

Our volunteers support our events, programs and offices throughout Australia – including Save the Children Australia op shops!

Become a volunteer

Get informed

The first step in making rights real is making them known - help us create change by learning about the UNCRC and spreading the word!

Learn more