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UNCRC Article of the Week (WC: 15th November 2021)

This weeks Article of the Week is...

Article 15: I have the right to meet with friends and join new groups. 

Article 15 of the UNCRC makes it clear that – like all people in the world – children and young people have the human right to freedom of association. This means that they should be free to:

• meet individual people and groups of friends,
• set up an organisation,
• join an organisation, and
• take part in peaceful protest.

The right to freedom of association is relevant when children and young people act as human rights defenders.

Are there any limits to freedom of association?

While Article 15 of the UNCRC promotes freedom of association, it does say there are some circumstances where it doesn’t apply. For example:

• children and young people can’t meet with individuals or groups when they threaten their rights. For example, they can’t meet people who are likely to pose a danger to them.
• children and young people can’t meet with individuals or groups when they would threaten other people’s rights.
• children and young people can’t meet with individuals or groups in order to break the law.