THE CONVENTION ON THERIGHTS OF THE CHILD

A CHILD-FRIENDLY VERSION

BHUTAN

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Dear Children,I am happy to share with you the “Child-friendly CRC Booklet”. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, popularly known as the CRC, is a promise between Governments across the world that they would do everything to protect and promote children’s rights – to survive and thrive, to learn and grow, to make your voices heard and to help you reach your full potential. Bhutan has also signed and ratified the CRC in 1990, and committed itself to ensure that all children in the country have the right to grow up with love, care, and respect. This booklet gives you information on various rights of all children everywhere. On the back cover page of this booklet, you will find the contact details of organizations that work towards promoting children’s rights in Bhutan. You or your parents and caregivers can contact these organizations if you need any help. This CRC booklet is especially designed for you, and we have tried to keep the information simple and easy to read and understand. We are honoured to dedicate the booklet to every child. We hope you enjoy reading the CRC booklet, and get valuable information about your rights.

Tashi Delek!Shaheen Nilofer

RepresentativeUNICEF Bhutan

Foreword

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the convention dedicated to protecting and promoting children’s rights everywhere and at all times. In 1990, the Royal Government of Bhutan signed and ratified (agreed to obey) the UNCRC without reservation, thereby committing to ensure that every child born in Bhutan enjoys all the rights in the Convention.To ensure that the children in Bhutan enjoy same rights to care and protection to grow up in a healthy, educated, safe and protected environment, the Royal Government established the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in 2004 as the organization to take the lead in this aspect. The NCWC is very happy that, finally, we have an edition of the Convention that is child friendly, and will ensure that all children understand fully their rights. Importantly, the booklet also refers to the responsibilities of children themselves, in particular towards respecting the rights of others. Our deep appreciation to Azha Karma for the wonderful way VAST has depicted the special provisions of the Convention. We are, therefore, confident that all our children will not only enjoy going through the booklet but will also absorb adequate information to help them protect themselves. Finally, our immense gratitude to the UNICEF for the generous support in publishing the booklet and in reaching valuable knowledge to the children in Bhutan.I wish all the children HAPPY READING!

Tashi Delek!Phintsho ChoedenDirector General

Message from NCWC

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Guiding Principles : General Requirements For All Rights

All children under the age of 18 have all the rights in this convention: The Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Convention applies to every child regardless of your background, family, age, religion, ability, race or gender. No child should be treated unfairly.

All organizations working for children should do what is in the best interests of the child.

» Article 1

» Article 2

» Article 3

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The Government must protect, respect and fulfill children’s rights.

If the laws of my country ensure better protection of my rights than the articles in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, then the laws of my country should apply.

The Government should make the Convention known to all children, as well as to all adults, including parents and caregivers.

This Convention has articles that explain how the Government, and national and international organizations should work together to ensure that the children’s rights are protected.

» Article 4 » Article 41

» Article 42

» Article 43-54

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Survival and development rights: The basic rights to life and achieving one’s full potential

I have the right to a registered name and nationality. I also have the right to be cared for by my parents.

The Government should ensure that my right to a healthy life is fulfilled.

I have the right to live with my parents. I should not be separated from my parents unless it is in my best interests; for example, if a parent is mistreating or neglecting a child. Even if my parents have separated, I have the right to stay in contact with both my parents, unless this may harm me in any way.

I have the right to preserve my identity, including name, family relations, and nationality.

» Article 7 » Article 6

» Article 9

» Article 8

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If my parents and I live in different countries, I have the right to maintain personal relations and direct contact with them.

I have the right to be raised by my parents. If required, the Government should provide all appropriate assistance to my parents, so that they can take care of me better.

I have the right to be healthy, and the right to good quality health care, safe drinking water, nutritious food, and a clean environment.

» Article 10

» Article 18

» Article 24

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I have the right to a standard of living that will enable my physical and mental development. The Government should help my family if they cannot afford to provide me with adequate nutrition, clothing and housing.

I have a right to education. The Government should ensure that primary education is free and compulsory for all children.

My education should help me develop my personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities to the fullest. Education should also encourage me to respect my parents, my cultural identity and language. My education should also help me learn to live in harmony, peacefully, to protect the environment and respect other people.

» Article 27

» Article 28

» Article 29

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Article 34The Government should protect you from sexual abuse.

Article 35The Government should make sure that children are not abducted or sold.

Article 11The government should take steps to stop you from being taken out of your own country illegally.

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Article 15You have the right to meet together and to loin groups and organizations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

Article 13You have the right to get and to share information, to meet together and to join groups and organizations as long as it is not damaging to you or to others.

Participation rights : Having an active voice

My parents and family should provide me all the guidance and support to exercise my rights.

The Government should ensure that I am properly cared for, and protected from all forms of violence, abuse and neglect by anyone who looks after me, including my parents.

» Article 5

» Article 19

Protection rights : Keeping safe from harm

The Government should take steps to protect me from being taken out of Bhutan illegally and against my will.

» Article 11

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If my family cannot look after me, I should be looked after properly by people who respect my religion, culture and language.

If I am adopted, adoption laws should ensure that I am protected and cared for.

Even as a refugee from another country, I have the same rights as every child in Bhutan. I have the same rights to protection and assistance.

As a child with disability, I have the right to special care, support, education, and the right to lead a full and independent life.

» Article 20

» Article 21

» Article 22

» Article 23

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As a child living under the care of the Government, I should be looked after well. I have the right to be safe and happy.

If I and my parents or guardians are poor or in need, we have the right to get help from the Government.

» Article 25

» Article 26

I have the right to learn and practice my own culture, language and religion.

I have the right to rest, play, and participate in cultural, artistic and leisure activities.

» Article 30

» Article 31

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I have the right to be protected from sexual abuse and exploitation. I should not be made to do things that make me feel uncomfortable or that are harmful to me.

The Government should protect me from being kidnapped or sold.

I have the right to be protected from doing dangerous work like working in a factory, as a mechanic or as a domestic helper, as that may harm my health or education.

» Article 34

» Article 35

» Article 32

I have the right to be protected from the use of harmful drugs and from being involved in the making and selling of drugs.

» Article 33

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I should be protected from any activities that could harm my development and my happiness.

I should not be treated badly. I should be protected from cruel treatment or harsh punishment.

If I am neglected, hurt or treated badly, the Government should provide me with proper care, treatment, and support.

If I am accused of breaking the law, I have the right to receive legal help and fair treatment. I should not be put in prison with adults. I should be able to keep contact with my family. Children can be separated from families and placed in supervised care only if they commit most serious offences.

» Article 36

» Article 37

» Article 39

» Article 40

In the event of a war, the Government should provide me with adequate care and protection.

» Article 38

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Article 19Governments should ensure that you are properly cared for ; and protected from violence, abuse and neglect by your parents, or anyone else who looks after you.

Article 32The government should protect you from work that is dangerous, or that might harm your health or education.

Article 36You should be protected from any activities that could harm your development.

Protection rights : Keeping safe from Harm

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I have the right to get information. I also have the right to share ideas and information with others.

I have the right to say what I think when adults are making decisions that will affect me. My views and opinions should be taken into account.

I have the right to think and believe what I want, and to practice my religion, as long as I do not stop others from enjoying their rights. My parents should guide me on these matters.

» Article 13

» Article 12

» Article 14

Participation rights : Having an active voice

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I have the right to meet others and to join groups and organizations as long as these groups and organizations are not harmful to other people or the environment.

I have the right to privacy and protection. The law should protect me from attacks against my way of life, my good name, my family and my home.

I have the right to reliable information from the media. Television, radio, and newspapers should give information that I can understand and benefit from. It should not give materials that can harm me.

» Article 15

» Article 16

» Article 17

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Article 42The Government should make the convention known to all parents and children.

Article 30You have a right to learn and use the language and customs of your family, whether these are shared by the majority of people in the country or not.

Article 31You have a right to relax and play and to join in a wide range of activities.

My Notes

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Safe places to get more information or help :If I am ever unsure about something or someone, I should always ask for another adult’s help. If I want to know more about my rights or if I need help, there are many agencies I can talk to:

1. National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC)Contact: Legal Officer or Children’s DivisionOffice number: 02- 334549 / 334551 (office hours)Website: www.ncwc.org.bt

2. Royal Bhutan Police (RBP)Helpline: 113 (24 hours)

3. Women and Child Protection Unit (WCPU)Thimphu - Phone No: 02-32255 (24 hours)Paro - Phone No: 08-271811 (24 hours)Phuentsholing - Phone No: 05-251443 (24 hours)

Women and Child Protection Desk (WCPD)Wangdue - Phone No: 02-481217 (24 hours)SamdrupJongkhar - Phone No: 07-251636 (24 hours)Trashigang - Phone No: 04-521128 (24 hours)Gelephu - Phone No: 06-251054 (24 hours)Samtse - Phone: 05-365258Mongar - Phone: 04-641113

4. Child Care and Protection OfficeDratshang LhentshogOffice No: 02-333726

5. Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW)Office No: 02-332159 / 334751 (Office hours)Website: www.renewbhutan.org

6. Department of Youth and Sports (DYS, Counselling Division)Phone No: 02-325084 (Office hours)Youth Digest Contact: tserin.83@gmail.com

7. Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF)Phone No: 02-329135 / 327483 (office hours)Website: www.bhutanyouth.org

United Nations Children’s Fund