Children, the Law and Legal systems

The law can be a very powerful tool for enforcing human rights and addressing violations. But the justice system can also be a place where human rights are violated.

This section of guides explains - in plain language how to use the law to fight for change and get children’s rights enforced. It also includes advice on how to ensure the legal system does not cause violations of children’s rights.

Visit the law section of our website for all our legal research, including our access to justice for children project that sets out the legal status of the child in every country, a children’s rights case law database and our legal advocacy workshop programme.

We promote the use of plain language so everyone can access the information they need about children’s rights. Our glossary of legal terms might be helpful if you are struggling with jargon!