The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) entered into force in 1990 and defines a child as anyone below the age of eighteen. Thus, through the Convention on the Rights of the Child, girls are also protected from all forms of violence, such as sexual abuse and trafficking. The treaty also protects girls from harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. Girls are also granted the right to the highest attainable standard of health, a standard of living adequate for full development and equal education The Committee on the Rights of the Child is tasked with interpreting the Convention on the Rights of the Child. States Parties are obliged to submit reports to the Committee describing the measures taken to implement the Convention. 196 countries have ratified the CRC and 1 country has signed it.

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

In 2002, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OP-CRC-SC) entered into force. The OP-CRC-SC addresses acts that constitute trafficking in children for the purpose of sexual exploitation and calls upon States Parties to protect the rights and interests of child victims through prosecution and support services and educational programs. States Parties to the Optional Protocol are also obliged to submit reports to the Committee on the Rights of the Child outlining the measures taken to implement the protocol. 176 countries have ratified the treaty and 9 have signed it as of September 2020.