The right to be safe

Every child in Aotearoa New Zealand has the right to be safe and protected from harm wherever they live, learn, play and grow. This right, set out in Article 19 of the Children’s Convention, reflects the mana and inherent dignity of all mokopuna. New Zealand agreed to the Children’s Convention in 1993, making a promise to uphold children’s rights. While government is the duty-bearer, all adults and communities have a part to play in keeping children safe and making their rights real in our country.