What is a child?

A child is a person who has not yet reached adulthood. In general, people are considered children until they are 18 years old. This includes babies, young children, preteens, and teenagers.

But being a child is not just a matter of age. It is also a period of life when we grow, learn, play, discover the world, and need protection, love, and respect.

A right is something important that every child or adolescent should have or be able to do: go to school, receive healthcare, be protected, give their opinion, etc. These rights are recognized by laws and official texts.

Rights protect us and allow us to grow in good conditions. They exist so that no one is forgotten or mistreated. Even if we are young, we have the right to be respected and listened to.

- A child has the right to be protected, educated, cared for, and listened to

- All children are equal, regardless of origin, gender, religion, or situation

- Being a child means having rights… and also dreams

- Children’s rights are recognized by texts such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and the Constitution of Cameroon

- These rights include: the right to identity, education, health, protection, expression, participation, and non-discrimination, etc.

- If a right is violated (for example, a girl is expelled from school because she is pregnant, or a child is abused, or a girl is forced into marriage), you can speak up and seek help

- You can claim your rights respectfully, through the right people or institutions (school, town hall, hospital, court, etc.)