<P> Nations that ratify this convention are bound to it by international law . Compliance is monitored by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which is composed of members from countries around the world . Once a year, the Committee submits a report to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which also hears a statement from the CRC Chair, and the Assembly adopts a Resolution on the Rights of the Child . </P> <P> Governments of countries that have ratified the Convention are required to report to, and appear before, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child periodically to be examined on their progress with regards to the advancement of the implementation of the Convention and the status of child rights in their country . Their reports and the committee's written views and concerns are available on the committee's website . </P> <P> The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention and opened it for signature on 20 November 1989 (the 30th anniversary of its Declaration of the Rights of the Child). It came into force on 2 September 1990, after it was ratified by the required number of nations . Currently, 196 countries are party to it, including every member of the United Nations except the United States . </P> <P> Two optional protocols were adopted on 25 May 2000 . The First Optional Protocol restricts the involvement of children in military conflicts, and the Second Optional Protocol prohibits the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography . Both protocols have been ratified by more than 160 states . </P>

How many countries have ratified the convention on the rights of the child 2018