States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life.
States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child.

States should manifestly not kill children (e.g. through the death penalty, arbitrary executions, etc.). They should also put measures in place to allow children to survive into adulthood in conditions optimal for their development, including through combating child mortality, and providing healthcare, nutrition, sanitation and drinking water. They should protect children from harmful traditional practices such as early marriage and “honour killings”.