Children's rights

Convention on the Rights of the Child

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child indicates what rights should be applicable to all children throughout the world.

Sweden has signed the Convention, as has almost every other country in the world. This means that Sweden has promised to comply with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The most vital points in the Convention on the Rights of the Child state that all children have the same rights and are of equal value, and that there must be no discrimination against any of them. Children are entitled to life and development, they are entitled to think and say what they want, and the best interests of children must always be put first.

Ombudsman for Children

There is a special authority in Sweden known as Barnombudsmannen, the Ombudsman for Children. Its job is to monitor the rights of children. Its objective is to ensure that children are respected and given the opportunity for development, security, involvement and influence.

BRIS

BRIS is an abbreviation for Barnens rätt i samhället, Children’s Rights in Society.

This organisation is financed by contributions from private individuals, companies and authorities. Children and young people aged up to 18 can call, e-mail and chat about absolutely anything. Nothing is too big or too small, too weird or too ordinary. An adult at BRIS will always answer the telephone and e-mails or chat. Everyone is allowed to remain anonymous.

Important ages

In Sweden, children reach the age of criminal responsibility at 15. This means that children can only be convicted of crimes if they're over 15.

Children come of age at 18. This means they're entitled to make decisions on their own lives and to run their own households. They can vote, get married, take out loans and be licensed to drive.