Civil rights facts for kids

People marching for civil rights in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963.

A young woman holding a banner at the Civil Rights March in 1963.

Civil rights are important rights that every person in a country has. These rights apply to all citizens living within a country's borders. They are given and protected by the laws of that country. Sometimes, people think of civil rights as being similar to natural rights, which are rights that all humans are believed to have just by being born.

In many countries, civil rights include very important freedoms. These are things like the freedom of speech, which means you can say what you think. There's also the freedom of the press, allowing news to be shared freely. You also have the freedom of religion, so you can believe what you choose. And the freedom of assembly means you can gather peacefully with others.

Civil rights also mean you have the right to own property. They ensure you get fair and equal treatment from the government, from other citizens, and from private groups. These rights help protect people from being treated unfairly, for example, because of their background, their gender, or if they have a disability.

How Civil Rights Are Protected

Civil rights are kept safe by laws and by common practices, often called "customs." Many democracies have a special part of their constitution called a "Bill of Rights." This document clearly lists the freedoms and rights that people have. A famous example is the United States Bill of Rights.

If someone thinks their civil rights have been violated, a court of law can decide if this is true. Courts also set limits on civil rights. This is important so that one person's freedoms don't accidentally take away the rights of other people.

Related topics

• Civil Rights Movement
• Human rights
• Natural rights
• Rule of law
• Second-class citizen
• Women's rights
• Minority rights

Images for kids

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  Savka Dabčević-Kučar, a leader in the Croatian Spring movement.