CONFERENCE REPORT: Convention on the Rights of the Child - From Moral Imperatives to Legal Obligations

en español / en français

The aim of this report is to highlight key observations, conclusions and conversations resulting from the international conference Convention on the Rights of the Child: From Moral Imperatives to Legal Obligations – In search of effective remedies for child rights violations which took place in Geneva, 12-13 November 2009.

The conference attracted more than 120 participants from more than 60 countries, with diverse professional backgrounds, experience and expertise. The format of the conference saw participants divided, according to their regional affiliations, into African, American, European and Asian working groups where they discussed specific topics related to child rights litigation. Between these sessions, all participants came together to hear presentations from a range of speakers.

The organizers were delighted to bear witness to meaningful discussions between committed activists and advocates from all corners of the world, and there was much to share during the conference. Their hope now is that the momentum launched by the event will carry far beyond the mere publication of a conference report.

Conference reports can make a rather dry read, so this report features key discussions, rather than providing a comprehensive account of the proceedings. The aim was to produce a useful document that will help inspire readers into pursuing creative legal strategies in their activities relating to the realisation of children’s rights.

The report is organised in three main sections:

  1. The background of the conference, including an overview of the methodology and programme.
  2. Recaps of discussions on the three themes of the working groups, namely: (1) Using national systems to address violations of child rights; (2) Using international and regional systems to address violations of child rights; and (3) Designing a strategic litigation strategy.
  3. Observations and conclusions, followed by an annex with a glossary of legal terms.

More information about the conference, including background reading and useful links, can be found on the conference homepage.  We hope you enjoy the reading!

 Further suggestions:

pdf: http://www.crin.org/docs/Conference_Report_EN_ low.pdf

Countries

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.