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A nationality
7-12
years
old
What does this mean?
The UNCRC says all children have the right to a nationality and to belong to a country.
You have the right to know where you are from.
Having a nationality means that you are a citizen of a country. Being a citizen of a country means that country has to look after you and to protect you.
If you don’t have a nationality or a passport, it can also be hard to travel to other countries.
There are lots of reasons why a child might be stateless (not belong to any country).
For example, they might be a refugee because of war or their country may not allow them to be a citizen because of discrimination based on their race or religion.
When children don’t have a nationality, this is called ‘statelessness’. These children are very vulnerable as they don’t belong to any country. As they grow up, it might be difficult for them to access rights like education, healthcare, housing and employment.
Did you know?
Children born in Ireland with at least one Irish parent are automatically Irish citizens and can apply for an Irish passport.
Children born in Ireland who don’t have Irish parents need to have lived in Ireland for three years before they can apply for an Irish passport.
Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.
Rights
that keep you safe
A name
A nationality
Being safe
Being treated fairly by the law
Privacy
Protection from war
Protection from work that harms you
Find out
about your rights!
7-12 years old
13-17 years old