Submitted by Denitsa on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (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 CRC was ratified by Saint Kitts and Nevis, however, it is not considered to be part of national law and cannot be directly enforced in the courts. Children must act through a “next friend” in order to litigate cases in their name, unless the court authorises otherwise. The Court will ensure there is no conflict of interest between the minor and his next friend. Children may give evidence in court only if deemed sufficiently mature. Legal aid is not well organised and pro bono practice of law firms is non-existent.
