Holding States accountable to street children

What is General Comment 21?

General Comment No. 21 on Children in Street Situations provides authoritative guidance on how governments must protect, support and uphold the rights of children in street situations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). 

It recognises that street-connected children: 

• Have the same rights as every other child 

• Must be respected, protected, and supported without discrimination 

• Need access to services, protection from violence, and participation in decisions affecting them
   

This document sets out clear guidance for governments on how to develop laws, policies, and practices that fulfil their obligations to these children. 

CSC’s role in developing General Comment 21

In partnership with our global network, CSC led the advocacy and consultation process that made this milestone possible. Over 1,000 street-connected children around the world contributed their views, and their voices and experiences helped to shape the final document. 

Street-connected children’s testimonies from Central America
Street-connected children’s testimonies from Europe
Street-connected children’s testimonies from South Asia
Street-connected children’s testimonies from Africa
Street-connected children’s testimonies from South America

We continue to champion the General Comment as a foundation for legal and policy change, and a tool for holding States to account. We have also published a child-friendly version of the General Comment which explains in easy-to-understand language what the General Comment means, and what it recommends governments should do for street children. 

Turning words into reality: The 4 Steps to Equality

1. Commit to Equality 
   Recognise that street-connected children have the same rights as all other children, and commit to realising those rights 
2. Protect Every Child 
   Ensure that laws and policies protect street-connected children from violence, exploitation, and discrimination 
3. Provide Access to Services 
   Guarantee access to services like healthcare, education, and shelter – without exceptions or conditions 
4. Create Specialised Solutions
   Develop tailored solutions with and for street-connected children, involving them in decision-making every step of the way 

Why does General Comment 21 matter?

Governments have a legal duty under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect the rights of street-connected children. However, in many countries, street children continue to be: 

• Excluded from services
• Criminalised for being on the streets and behaviours they might engage in to survive 
• Ignored in policy and law 

By promoting General Comment No. 21 and using the framework of the 4 Steps to Equality to implement this guidance, we can close the gap between rights on paper and rights in reality.