SAY IT RIGHT! I – Playing a Part: Our Right to Participate
Article 3: Our Best Interests as Young People
In all decisions which concern us, our best interests should be considered first and foremost. Also, governments have the responsibility to make sure that institutional standards are respected so that we are always adequately cared for and protected.
Article 12: Having our Opinions Heard
We have the right to make our views known in decisions that affect us, and in particular in any court or administrative proceedings that are important to us. As we become older, our views should be taken more and more into consideration.
Get involved! Learn about youth participation.
Article 13: Our Freedom to Express Ourselves
We have the right to express ourselves and to receive or send information through any media, including print, art or word of mouth. We have the responsibility to express ourselves in a way that respects the rights and reputations of other people.
Article 14: Our Freedom of Conscience and Religion
We have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Governments must respect the rights and duties of our parents or guardians in giving us direction when we need to exercise these rights.
Article 15: Our Freedom of Association
We have the right to meet with others, and to join or start our own associations. We have the responsibility to exercise this right in a way that respects the rights, health and safety of others.
Article 16: Our Freedom from Invasions of Privacy
We have the right to be free from invasions on our privacy, our family, our home or our correspondence with others. We also have the right to be free from attacks on our reputation and honour.
Article 17: The Media
Governments have the responsibility to make sure that information and material is available to us from many sources, both national and international, especially when it is aimed at promoting our well-being and health.
