Child Rights

Children’s rights are firmly protected within the legal and social framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Guided by Islamic principles and national legislation, the Kingdom is committed to safeguarding the well-being of every child and ensuring access to essential rights and services that support their development, protection, and participation in society.

The Basic Law of Governance emphasizes the importance of family cohesion and the protection of all family members, while national laws guarantee children access to healthcare, education, protection, and social support. Free healthcare services, including mandatory immunizations, and free education at all levels are among the key measures that contribute to the realization of children's rights.

What Are Child Rights?

Child rights are a set of human rights specifically designed to protect and support every person under the age of 18. In addition to fundamental human rights, children are entitled to special protections that reflect their age, vulnerability, and developmental needs.

Key rights include:

• The right to life and development
• The right to a name and nationality
• The right to education
• The right to health and healthcare
• The right to adequate nutrition
• The right to protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• The right to participate in society and express their views in accordance with their age and maturity

Child Protection Framework

Saudi Arabia has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect children and promote their rights. Key legislation includes:

• Child Protection Law
• Juvenile Law
• Law of Protection from Abuse 
• Anti-Harassment Law
• Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law 
• Anti-Cyber Crime Law 

These laws are supported by a range of regulations, institutions, programs, and initiatives dedicated to ensuring children's safety, welfare, and development.

Child Protection Law

The Child Protection Law applies to every person under the age of 18 and aims to protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Law reinforces children's rights as recognized under Islamic Sharia, national legislation, and international conventions to which the Kingdom is a party.

Objectives of the Law

• Protect children from all forms of abuse and neglect.
• Ensure access to appropriate care and support for affected children.
• Promote awareness of children's rights and protection mechanisms.
• Strengthen preventive measures across family, educational, social, and institutional environments.

Prohibited Practices

The Law prohibits a range of practices that may endanger a child's well-being, including:

• Child labor below the legally permitted age.
• Assigning work that may jeopardize a child’s physical or psychological health.
• Involvement of children in armed conflict or military activities.
• Sexual exploitation, trafficking, or forced begging.
• Use of children in activities involving narcotics or harmful substances.
• Exposure to harmful products, materials, or content that may negatively affect their development.
• Participation in activities that pose serious risks to their safety or health.

International and Regional Instruments

Saudi Arabia is a party to several international and regional instruments that support and protect children's rights, including:

• Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
• Covenant on the Rights of the Child in Islam
• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict