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The first eighteen years of a child’s life encompass a wide range of capacities and vulnerabilities. Children have special needs that have warranted particular rights. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has been ratified by more countries than any other human rights instrument. The treaty’s nearly universal acceptance makes it an important tool for human rights defenders around the globe.
This rapid e-course gives an overview of the institutions and mechanisms that serve to fulfil the rights of children. You will explore particular themes that address how children’s rights are being compromised, the efforts being made to stop the violations of children’s rights, and how to do your part to help.
The course combines text with rich multimedia, including videos and podcasts. Knowledge checks reinforce the information learned. Assignments engage you to solve specific problems and point you to useful resources.
Course outline
Understand the child rights protection framework
– Who is a child?
– History of child rights protection
– Guide to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
– Role of the Committee on the Rights of the Child
– National protection of children
Study 10 child rights themes
– Child labour
– Children in armed conflict
– Children in contact with the law
– Children with disabilities
– Economics
– Education
– Health
– Identity
– Sexual exploitation
– Violence against children