Your Rights and the Law
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is the world’s most widely accepted human rights agreement. These rights are for all people under 18 years old.
Some of the rights are set out here, but you can find full details at Unicef’s site.
You have the right to:
- Protection against discrimination
- Be given guidance by your parents and family
- Say what you think and be listened to by adults when they make decisions that affect you
- Think what you like and have what religion you want, with your parents’ guidance
- Protection from violence, abuse, neglect and being hurt
- Special care and education to help you develop and lead a full life if you have a disability
Your Rights and the Law
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is the world’s most widely accepted human rights agreement.
It’s important to know what your rights are and what to do if you have a problem like having your phone stolen. Some of the most common issues are covered here.
Stop and search
- A stop and search is where a police officer stops and searches you because they suspect you may be carrying drugs, a weapon, stolen property or an item that may be used to commit crime.
- The police do this because successful searches result in fewer victims and make communities safer.
- If you are stopped, you are not under arrest; you should receive a written record of the stop and search, setting out the reason for it
- Stay calm and don’t refuse to be searched, but don’t be afraid to speak to the officer if you think your rights are being infringed.
Stop
It is more likely that you will be just stopped rather than having a stop and search. If this happens, you will be asked to account for your behaviour, and will be given some paperwork about why this is and who stopped you.
What if I am arrested?
You will be taken to a police station with a custody area. A custody officer has to authorise the detention and tell you your rights and record your personal details. If you are under 17 years old, a parent/guardian or an appropriate adult has to be informed as soon as possible and asked to attend the police station. Once the adult has arrived, you will be interviewed, and then a decision will be made on what action to take. However, if you are 17 or over, there is not a requirement to have an appropriate adult present.
Except in unusual circumstances, everyone has the right to consult privately in person or by telephone with a solicitor for legal advice. The custody officer should help you to contact a solicitor if you do not know of one.
For more information about arrest and post arrest procedures, visit the Youth Justice System website.
How should I contact the police?
- In an emergency dial 999….this includes situations where there’s a risk of injury, serious damage to property, where someone has been attacked or you think police help is required to prevent a crime taking place.
- In non-emergency situations dial 0845 3300 222…for example if your mobile phone has been stolen.
To find out about your rights, including Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, what constitutes a dangerous weapon and what happens in a stop and search, visit the Police site. There is also a handy booklet about your rights on that site which you can download below. Visit the Herts Police site here.
For more information about your rights and the law: