Submitted by slahoz on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the CRC in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was incorporated into Colombian law after it was ratified by Congress, allowing for it to be enforced by the tribunals and courts of Colombia. Children are allowed to bring forth cases before the domestic courts, yet they are always to be represented by an adult (parent, curator or ombudsman). Generally, cases brought before family judges can be brought at one level only and, therefore, cannot be appealed. Although there is availability to file group actions, these require victims to be specifically identified. NGOs cannot file or intervene in cases related to violations of children’s rights. When children are called as witnesses, there are specific rules in place to protect their best interests.
