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.
Seychelles has ratified the CRC, however it has no force of law and cannot be directly applied by the courts. All cases challenging violations of children’s rights must be brought by a parent or guardian on the child’s behalf, except for applications for an order for protection from domestic violence which may be submitted by children over the age of 14. Challenges of legal provisions alleged to violate constitutional rights can be brought by individuals to the Constitutional Court. Complaints of human rights violations are accepted by the Ombudsman and the National Human Rights Commission. Finally, communications alleging breaches of children’s right can be submitted to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
