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GLOSSARY

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Best interests of the child

     IRC site

CRC Article = 3(1)
Note:
Article 3(1) of the CRC obligates States Parties to ensure that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies. Article 3(1) contains a principle of interpretation which has to be considered in all actions concerning children. It therefore operates as a principle to be considered in relation to the implementation of each of the rights set forth the CRC and, residually, to all actions concerning children. Important to note is that Article 21 of the CRC provides that the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration in adoption.

See also:
Discrimination   Evolving capacities of the child   Respect for the views of the child