The UN Convention on the Rights of the child was adopted by the general assembly of the United Nations in 1989. It was ratified by the UK Government on 16 th December 1991 and by March had been ratified by over 170 of the 190 UN member states.
The Convention establishes the rights of children and young people to care and protection, to the provision of services to meet their basic needs and to be active participants in the society in which they live.
In more than forty articles the Convention establishes the rights of children and young people, and the responsibilities of those providing facilities and services to make sure rights are realised. There are rights and duties relating to involvement in society at every level, to health and development, to education and leisure activities, to quality and standards of care and provision, and to protection from harm and abuse.
Links with Sexual health, relationships, Teenage pregnancy and supporting teenage parents, it is evident that given the nature of the convention social exclusion is a fundamental area as is access to appropriate services. Specific articles emphasise the underlying principles -
Article 8 , the right to preservation of identity
Article 13, the right to freedom of expression
Article 17, the right of access to appropriate information
Article 14 , the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
Article 24 , the right to the highest level of health possible and access to health services.
Article 27 , the right to a standard of living adequate for the child’s proper development
Article 28 , the right to full time education on the basis of equality of opportunity.
Most local young peoples services provide services for the under 25's, these include Sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing / support, sex sexuality and relationships information. They are free and confidential and in most instances you don't need an appointment you can just drop-in.
For young peoples services in your locality please see the link under the services section
You may find other information and contacts in the useful links section
For information on local sexual health services click here