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Protection from war

7-12

years

old

What does this mean?

The UNCRC says that it’s your right to be protected if there is a war in your country.

If there is a war in your country, you have the right to travel to a safe country.

Once you are in that country, the government there must make sure that you get your rights, like the right to be cared for, to go to school and to have a place to live.

You should not be forced to go back to your country if it is not safe.

If you have been separated from your family because of war, the country where you live should try their best to reunite you with your family.

Wars put children’s lives at serious risk and prevent them from enjoying many of their rights.

Which rights do you think might be affected and why?

Did you know?

In many countries, children are forced to take part in wars as ‘child soldiers’.

However, the UNCRC says that children under 18 must not be forced to take part in wars.

In Ireland, for example, you have to be 18 years old to join the army.

Amina’s story

I came to Ireland with my parents when I was 7 because of the war in my country. They were bombing people’s homes, our schools, and the hospitals. It was horrible. My family had to leave our town because it wasn’t safe for us to stay there. Everything had been destroyed.

I’m happy in Ireland and it’s safe here. I can go to school again and everyone has been so friendly. But I miss my country and the rest of my family. I really hope the war ends soon.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.