Full Name: Convention on the Rights of the Child
Adopted: 20 November 1989 (entered into force 2 September 1990)
Type: Binding Treaty
Articles: 54
Monitoring Body: Committee on the Rights of the Child
India’s Status: Ratified 11 December 1992 ✓
Overview
The CRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history (196 states parties). It establishes comprehensive rights for children based on four core principles: non-discrimination, best interests of the child, right to life/survival/development, and respect for the child’s views.
Key Articles & Indian Application
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Article 3: Best interests of the child — foundational principle in Indian juvenile justice
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Article 12: Right of child to be heard — incorporated in JJ Act procedures
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Article 19: Protection from abuse and neglect — basis for POCSO Act
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Article 28: Right to education — cited in Unni Krishnan; led to Article 21A and RTE Act
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Article 32: Protection from child labour — read with Article 24 of Constitution
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Article 37: Prohibition of torture/detention of children — cited in Sheela Barse
Indian Legislation Influenced by CRC
The CRC directly influenced: Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016, and the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act 2005.