Children’s rights and social policy

This chapter critically assesses existing international human rights mechanisms and in particular the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in relation to the promotion of the rights and welfare of children. In doing so it examines such mechanisms in a world of social, economic, cultural, ideological and political diversity, different levels of ‘peace’, stability, governmental organisation and conflict, and changing contexts and circumstances. It reflects on the inability of some states (e.g. USA) to ratify the UN Convention, and on issues of enforceability and realisability in others which have. Finally, it discusses contemporary attempts by NGOs and other campaigning organisations to promote the recognition and realisation of universal rights for children.