Understanding children’s rights has become increasingly essential for professionals, volunteers, and advocates working with or for children across the globe. The UNICEF What We Stand For: Essentials of Children’s Rights Online Course is a comprehensive, story-driven, and fully self-paced learning opportunity designed to refresh or deepen learners’ understanding of children’s rights. This article provides a detailed overview of the course, including eligibility, structure, methodology, duration, and application instructions, to help learners access all important information through our website.
Understanding Children’s Rights in a Changing World
The Essentials of Children’s Rights course aims at refreshing or increasing your awareness, understanding and appreciation of children’s rights. Offered directly by UNICEF, the program brings its global child rights mandate to life through a compelling and interactive digital learning experience. Using storytelling, animations, and reflective exercises, the course illustrates what children’s rights are, why they matter, and how they shape the responsibilities of states, institutions, and individuals.
Throughout the course, learners explore how the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) transformed the world’s approach to children, what it means for children to be rights holders, and how their rights can be upheld—or denied—in everyday situations. Given the global challenges facing children today, understanding these rights has never been more important.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Enroll in the Essentials of Children’s Rights Course
One of the most accessible features of this UNICEF course is its inclusive enrollment structure.
Who Can Apply
- The course is open to everyone working with UNICEF, including:
- Staff members
- Interns
- Volunteers
- Consultants
- It is also open to guest users since the activity or course is open to self-enrolment.
Educational Background
- There is no specific educational requirement.
- The course is designed for both:
- Learners new to human rights or children’s rights.
- Experienced professionals who wish to refresh or expand their knowledge.
Country Eligibility
- This is an online international course.
- Participants from all countries can enrol and complete it remotely.
Professional/Interest Suitability
The course is ideal for:
- Child protection practitioners
- Social workers
- NGO workers
- Policy advocates
- Humanitarian and development practitioners
- Students in social sciences or international development
- Anyone seeking to better understand and champion children’s rights
Whether you are new to UNICEF or a long-time advocate, the course is built to strengthen your understanding and inspire action.
Program Details: Duration, Structure, Format, and Fees
Course Length
- The course takes about 60 minutes to complete.
- It is entirely self-paced, allowing learners to progress at their own convenience.
Program Format & Methodology
The course uses a combination of:
- Animated scrolly-telling videos
- Interactive images and CRC visuals
- Knowledge checks and quizzes
- Video messages from:
- The UN Secretary-General
- The UNICEF Executive Director
- Curated links to additional readings, guidance documents, and external resources for deeper learning
This blend of methodologies ensures that complex concepts in children’s rights are explained clearly, engagingly, and memorably.
Course Structure
The course is organized into 10 sections, with nine modules plus a final assessment:
- Navigation guidance
- The human rights of children
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child
- What it means to have rights
- The transformative power of the CRC
- The pushback against children’s rights
- UNICEF’s mandate
- Child rights in everyday life
- Human rights mechanisms
- In closing
- Final assessment
NOTE
- The course is completely free.
- It is open to self-enrolment through the UNICEF learning platform.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Explain what children’s rights are and what it means for children to have rights.
- Describe how the Convention on the Rights of the Child transforms the ways in which we relate to children.
- Counter common misconceptions regarding children’s rights.
- Identify global, regional, and national dynamics that undermine children’s rights.
- Explain UNICEF’s mandate and role in promoting and protecting children’s rights.
- Describe children’s rights principles to apply at work and in daily life.
- Identify mechanisms for monitoring children’s rights.
These objectives strengthen the learner’s capacity to champion human rights in both professional and personal settings.
How to Apply: Application & Enrollment Process
The enrollment process is straightforward:
- Visit the UNICEF course page.
- Click “Enrol” or “Self-enrol” to join the course.
- Create an account (for guest users) or log in with your UNICEF learner account.
- Begin the course immediately.
There is no second step and no need to search for the course. Enrollment is done directly on the course page.
Important Dates
- The course is self-paced and available year-round.
- There is no stated deadline; learners may register and complete the modules at any time.
Support & Contact Information
For inquiries or assistance:
- Course content issues or questions: rights@unicef.org
- Technical issues (UNICEF learners): Report through the Service Gateway portal
- Technical issues (guest users): Use the support request form available on the course page
COURSE PORTAL
Access this course
Championing Children’s Rights Globally
The UNICEF What We Stand For: Essentials of Children’s Rights Online Course is a powerful opportunity to strengthen awareness and deepen understanding of children’s rights. With its accessible enrollment, free self-paced structure, interactive learning design and strong emphasis on the CRC and UNICEF’s mandate, the course empowers learners to champion children’s rights in their workplaces, communities, and daily lives. For anyone committed to upholding human rights, this course offers the essential foundation needed to make meaningful impact.
