Ombudswork for Children Innocenti digest No1, Key information on a critical children's rights concern

Contents

Development of the concept of Ombudswork
The history of ombudswork
The need for specialised ombudsmen for children
the growth of ombudswork for children

Legal status of ombudswork
Ombudsmen established by special act of parliament
Ombudsmen established through child welfare legislation
Ombudsmen established within existing public bodies
Ombudsmen established and run by NGO's

Functions in Theory
Influencing law, policy and practice
Challenging individual breaches of rights
Encouraging or undertaking research
Promoting awareness of children's rights

Functions in Practice
Providing primarily individual advocacy and representation
Advocating for children as a body with no individual
representation

Essential Characteristics of Ombudswork
Independence
Ability to get the voices of children heard
Accessibility to children
An exclusive focus on children
Statutory powers

Commentary
Main players
Information sources

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.