The
rapid and near universal ratification of
the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(CRC) is unprecedented in human rights history.
Furthermore, the widespread implementation
of the CRC in countries with different political,
economic and social systems, although uneven,
is both significant and unique. The ratification
and implementation of the CRC has led to
a process of social change that could never
have been anticipated.
The Innocenti Research Center (IRC) is documenting
and analyzing this important process of
social change by conducting a study that
considers the ways in which States have
implemented the general measures of the
CRC. This study addresses areas where both
States and IRC can work to further advance
the cause of children’s rights and
support UNICEF’s agenda.
The study focuses on the following general
measures:
1. The process of law reform and the importance
of ensuring that domestic law becomes compatible
with the principles and provisions of the
CRC;
2. Establishment of independent national
human rights institutions for children,
including children’s ombudspersons,
commissioners and advocates for children’s
rights within human rights institutions;
3. Development of comprehensive national
agendas or strategies to ensure implementation
of the CRC. The study also looks at how
these strategies are contributing to the
follow-up process of the World Summit for
Children and UN Special Session on Children;
4. Establishment of children’s rights-focused
permanent institutions and structures within
Government to pursue implementation and
ensure coordination;
5. Allocation of resources to ensure that
States parties are promoting CRC implementation
“to the maximum extent of available
resources”;
6. Development of systematic monitoring
of CRC implementation, including at regional
and local levels. This includes data collection,
analysis, evaluation and dissemination;
7. Education, training and awareness-raising
about children’s rights;
8. Collaboration on implementation of the
CRC with civil society, including children.
These documents make up only part of a much
wider collection of data that will inform
the overall IRC study. Together with States
reports to the Committee and a number of
other sources, IRC is working with a rich
base of material from which to draw conclusions
regarding the general measures of CRC implementation.
The influence of the CRC is increasing rapidly,
demonstrating a growing commitment by Governments
to take action for and with children.
