Every child should have the right to live in a loving and stable home and to have the freedom and support to grow up to be the person God intended them to be.

But not every child enjoys these rights.

This concerns Seventh-day Adventists.

Adventists seek to help children who suffer from the destructive influences of -

• poverty
• illiteracy
• poor health care
• exploitation and vulnerability
• violence

We support the following children's rights:

1. The right to a loving and stable home where there is safety and freedom from abuse

2. The right to food, clothing and shelter

3. The right to proper health and medical care

4. The right to an education that values religious and moral teaching

5. The right to freedom from discrimination and exploitation

6. The right to personhood, respect and the development of positive self-esteem

The United Nations General Assembly recognised the fundamental importance of children by voting in 1989 the "Convention on the Rights of the Child".

More importantly, Jesus valued children. The Bible writer, Matthew, records Him saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (19:14, NIV).

The worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church released in 2000 a statement on the wellbeing and value of children. Read the full statement.