Your rights
Children (aged over 10 and under 14) and young people (aged 14 and under 17) have special rights under the law, and are covered by different laws to adults. Everyone in New Zealand - families, communities and the Government - must work together to make sure your rights are protected.
Know your rights
You have the right to:
- have a say about things that affect you
- be treated fairly and with respect
- live with people who care about you
- an education
- be safe at home and school
- have enough food to eat, a place to live and good health care
- be protected from harm and abuse.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a universal declaration that says young people are important and should be valued, cared for and protected.
