For the most current information and resources on children's rights, check out HRW's Children's Rights Division

This toolkit will not be updated after Spring 2026.

30th Anniversary of the CRC Toolkit

Thirty years ago, the world made a promise to all its children. When the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989, they committed to do everything in their power to promote and protect children’s rights. Although the United States was a major author of the CRC, the United States remains the only country in the world that has NOT ratified the Convention - at a time when children’s rights are at grave risk at home and abroad.

"The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a luminous living document that enshrines the rights of every child without exception to a life of dignity and self-fulfillment." - Nelson Mandela

Click on each tab for information and resources:

Basic Information

Convention on the Rights of the Child
CRC Summary
CRC Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline of Child Rights
CRC Glossary
Process for US Treaty Ratification
Convention on the Rights of the Child: complete text and simplified version
Convention on the Rights of the Child FAQ (UNICEF)
Q&A The Convention on the Rights of the Child (HRW)

Convention on the Rights of the Child 30th Anniversary

UNICEF and the Committee on the Rights of the Child are encouraging state parties to renew their commitment to the Convention by pledging to take one specific and measurable action for the promotion, protection, and realization of the rights of the child.

Global Pledge
Country Pledges
Sign the Petition
UNICEF CRC30
UNICEF CRC30 Toolkit
Child Rights Connect: Campaign and Plan of Action
General Assembly Resolution– Commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
CRC30 Events
- UN General Assembly high-level commemorative event, UN Headquarters, New York, on 25 September
- A three-day commemorative conference at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, on 18, 19 and 20 November 2019
CRC30 Hashtag on Twitter

U.S. Advocacy - How can you make a difference?

Sign the Petition
Myths and Facts
Advocate With Congress to Put Children First
Twitter Campaign (2016) – Ask @POTUS to #SendTheCRC
Reach out to City Councils and challenge the Councils about protecting rights of homeless youth.
- Return STF delegations to LA City Council , Santa Monica City Council, Santa Clarita City Council to renew commitment to their adoption of the CRC in 2009. (Ex. Work with LA Councilman Mike Bonin’s office.)
- Da Vinci and Culver City HS could send delegations to their respective city councils in El Segundo and Culver City.
Meet with Senator Feinstein’s staff, or Senator Harris’ staff and urge their support of the ratification of the CRC.