The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a United Nations Convention. It is the most widely-adopted human rights Convention in the world, having been ratified by 193 out of the 195 countries. The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1989. The Netherlands ratified the Convention in 1995.

The rights of children (defined as all persons under 18 years of age) are set out in 54 articles and two Optional Protocols. The four core principles of the Convention are non-discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the views of the child.

A convention is an agreement between countries. Countries that take part to the Convention on the Rights of the Child are obliged to develop and undertake all actions and policies in the best interests of the child. By ratifying the Convention, national governments commit themselves to protect and ensure children's rights. Every five years State parties to the Convention hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the international community.