Children and International Human Rights Law: The Right of the Child to be Heard

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 is one of the most highly ratified human rights treaties in the world, with 192 states currently signed up to it. Article Twelve is fundamental to the Convention and states that all children capable of forming views have the right to express those views, and recognises that all children have the right to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting them.

This book explores the historical and theoretical background to Article Twelve, and examines the various models of participation which have been created to facilitate a better understanding of this provision. Aisling Parkes analyzes the extent to which Article Twelve has been implemented under international law, and in domestic law, as well as setting-out recommendations for the most effective ways of implementing Article Twelve in all areas of children's lives.

Introduction 1. Article 12 and child participation 2. The nature and scope of Article 12 of the CRC 3. Implementing Article 12 in practice 4. Child Pparticipation in family decision-making 5. The voice of the child in family law proceedings 6. Listening to children in school 7. Listening to children in conflict with the law 8. Children's voices in public decision making 9. National human rights institutions and Article 12 CRC 10. International enforcement of the CRC: Monitoring the the implementation of Article 12 11. Conclusion