Article 18: Parental responsibilities

Convention text

1.

Both parents share responsibility for the upbringing and development of their child. The countries that have signed the Convention must ensure that this is recognised by everyone. Parents or others who are legally responsible for the child have the primary responsibility for the child’s upbringing and development. The child’s best interests must be their primary concern.

2.

To ensure this, these countries must support parents and others who are legally responsible for the child in raising their children. For this purpose, they must develop institutions, facilities and services for the care of children.

3.

These countries must also take all necessary measures to ensure that children of working parents can benefit from childcare services and facilities.

Key point

Parents or carers have the primary responsibility for raising their children. They must carry out this responsibility in a way that is in the child’s best interests. The government must provide support where necessary.

Explanation

Parents have the primary responsibility for raising their children. This responsibility may also rest with someone else who is legally responsible for the child, such as a guardian. The government must respect the responsibilities of parents and guardians. It must also support them by providing facilities for the care of children. If parents are working, the government must ensure that childcare is available.

More information

There are also General Comments on the Convention that provide more information on this topic: