Article 2: Non-discrimination

Convention text

1.

The countries that have signed the Convention must respect and protect the rights set out in the Convention for all children. They must not discriminate on any grounds, such as race, skin colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, origin (national, social or ethnic), wealth, disability, birth or any other status of the child or of the child’s parent or carer.

2. 

These countries must take all appropriate measures to ensure that children are protected against discrimination or punishment on the basis of the situation of their parents, carers or family members. They must also protect children against discrimination or punishment based on what their parents, carers or family members do or the opinions they express.

Key point

The rights set out in the Convention apply to every child without exception.

Explanation

Every child is entitled to all the rights set out in the Convention. There are no exceptions. Countries must therefore do everything they can to ensure that all children enjoy these rights. They must also ensure that no child is discriminated against. This means that no distinction may be made between children. For example, you must not take into account sex, origin, religion, background, sexual orientation or any other difference. Nor may you take into account what their parents do or believe. This also applies to children living in the Netherlands who do not, or not yet, have a residence permit.