Children’s Rights
in Action
Children’s and adolescents’ rights
Every child has rights that protect them and ensure their well-being.
are human rights
These rights are upheld by national and international laws, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Argentina’s Comprehensive Protection Law. When a country adopts these laws, it makes these rights enforceable by the State.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed in 1948, recognizes that children are entitled to special care and assistance, within the framework of equality and human dignity.
With the goal of improving living conditions and promoting social progress, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. November 20 is celebrated as Universal Children’s Day, marking the date the Convention was adopted.
10 Rights
to Read and Play With
In Argentina, the Convention has held constitutional status since 1990. This means that our Constitution recognizes children’s rights, and the State—at all levels—is obligated to uphold them through public policies.
However, even when rights are legally recognized, we must know them in order to make sure they are fulfilled. As parents, guardians, or caregivers, it is essential to talk about these rights, defend them, and teach them from early childhood.
Learning through play
One of the best ways to talk about children’s rights is through play. Here’s a memory game you can enjoy with your family.
Do you know these 10 fundamental rights of children?
As adults, we have the responsibility to protect these rights and to teach children that they have the power to claim them.
1. Right to participation
Children have the right to actively participate in decisions that affect them. Whether at school, at home, or in the community, their voices matter—and we must listen with respect.
2. Right to be heard and taken seriously
It’s not just about hearing what they say, but about valuing their opinions and showing them that their ideas matter. When a child feels heard, they gain confidence and learn to express themselves.
3. Right to identity
Every child has the right to a name, a nationality, and to know their personal and family history. In Argentina, the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo have taught us the importance of reclaiming stolen identities and fighting for truth.
4. Right to education
Education is a right, not a privilege. In Argentina, it is public and free, but many children still lack access to quality schooling. Ensuring education for all is a shared responsibility.
5. Right to health
Growing up healthy is a right. This means access to vaccines, medical check-ups, and proper nutrition. It also includes mental health—every child deserves love, emotional support, and a life free from violence.
6. Right to housing
A decent home is more than a roof over one’s head—it’s a safe space with water, electricity, and room to play and rest. It should also be located in a community with accessible schools, healthcare, and recreational areas.
7. Right to food
Eating well every day should not be a luxury. Every child needs nutritious and sufficient food to grow up strong and healthy. Good nutrition is essential to physical, mental, and emotional development.
8. Right to a family
Children have the right to grow up in a family that cares for them, listens to them, and helps guide their decisions. Adults must act in their best interest, and governments must ensure that caregivers do so with love and responsibility.
9. Right to protection from violence
No child should ever experience abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Upholding this right means creating safe environments, educating for respect, and taking action when a child is at risk. Violence is never a part of proper upbringing.
10. Right to rest, play, and culture
Play is not a waste of time—it’s essential for learning and social development. Every child should have access to safe spaces to play, create, and enjoy their childhood.
The Right to Education in Argentina
Law 26.206 on National Education was passed in 2006. It regulates the exercise of the right to teach and to learn, as established in Article 14 of the National Constitution.
Through the Convention on the Rights of the Child, countries commit to upholding children's rights without discrimination. In Argentina, to ensure that everyone has access to school, the country established a public, free, and secular education system. That’s why Article 4 of the National Education Law states:
“The National Government, the Provinces, and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires hold the primary and non-transferable responsibility of providing comprehensive, ongoing, and quality education to all inhabitants of the Nation, ensuring equality, free access, and equity in the exercise of this right, with the participation of social organizations and families.”
But what does this article really mean—and why is it so important? Let’s break it down:
The road to school
At El Arca, we stand for the values behind the right to education and work to raise awareness and encourage community participation to ensure this right is upheld.
For many years, we supported the community of Cuartel V in their call for a new elementary school in the Los Hornos neighborhood. First, we helped bring in modular classrooms so children wouldn’t have to travel long distances just to attend class. Then, in 2021, School No. 84 officially opened its doors.
Since 1986, we’ve worked to promote and protect the rights of children who need it most. In Cuartel V, access to education remains a major challenge for many families.
Your support is essential to help us expand our programs and ensure that every child can access quality education.