Rights of the Child

Rights of the Child

The area of children’s rights is a compelling one. Children, formerly perceived by the law as an extension of their parents, now have an international human rights instrument outlining their rights as individuals – the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). But what has changed? Children still lack legal autonomy for most purposes, they are the group most likely to suffer violence and poverty, and whether they enjoy CRC rights is highly dependent on the adults responsible for them. In this module, we will take a critical view of the CRC, examining key issues, such as children’s rights in court and the rights of working children. We will question the relationship between parent, state and child, looking at how and whether the CRC has influenced law and practice in this area.

Format: Seminars: 3 hours of lecture presentation and class discussion
Analysis of the various international legal documents on child rights
Examination of literature in the area
Seminars are of a participatory nature to encourage free exchange of critical views and perspectives

Semester: 2

Lecturer: Dr Aoife Daly

Learning outcome:

On successful completion of this course, candidates will able to:

• Understand the theory underlying children’s rights;
• Critically analyse the legal arguments around children’s rights;
• Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in using the CRC and other avenues to progress children’s rights

International Child Rights LW5107 2019-2020