Children's rights: the essentials

Every human being under the age of 18 is a child, and every child has rights. Three texts protect children in Congo-Brazzaville.

1. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989)

It is the most widely ratified treaty in the world. The Republic of the Congo ratified it in 1993. It rests on four principles:

• Non-discrimination: all children have the same rights, regardless of their sex, their origins, any disability, or their parents' situation.
• The best interests of the child: every decision that concerns a child must first consider what is best for that child.
• The right to life, survival, and development.
• The right to express their views and to be heard on matters that affect them.

2. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990)

Adopted by the African Union, it builds on these principles and adds protections specific to the continent: against child marriage, harmful social and cultural practices, and the recruitment of children into armed conflict.

3. Law No. 4-2010 of June 14, 2010, on the Protection of the Child in the Republic of the Congo

This law turns these commitments into Congolese law: the right to a name and to birth registration, to health, to education, and to leisure, and protection from violence, neglect, exploitation, and abuse.

What about orphaned children?

A child who has lost their family is entitled to special protection and assistance from the State (Article 20 of the Convention): suitable care, in a family setting whenever possible, that respects their culture and religion.

What to do if a child is in danger

• Alert your local social services, the police, or the gendarmerie.
• In a medical emergency, go to the nearest health center.
• You can also write to us: we will point you to the right services.

The full texts are available on our Resources page.