The book is a collection of essays on the message of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child, and on how its principles and provisions can be turned into effective programmes. It addresses controversial and topical issues relating to children’s rights.

Is there space in our families, our societies and our politics for the ‘best interests’ of the child? Do children have any political influence? Who decides what is developmental for children? Should the State intervene in families to protect children? Do we understand children’s ‘evolving capacities’? Is children’s play a concern for policy makers? Do we lack the resources needed to achieve children’s rights? Are ombudsmen for children necessary?

The special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Children 2001 will take stock of what has been achieved since the World Summit for Children in 1990 and determine what now ought to be done to translate the visions into concrete and effective programmes. As a basis for this exercise, it is necessary to deepen the understanding of the principles of the Convention; to develop procedures for discussion, networking and reporting; and to encourage political action for implementation. It is hoped that this book with contribute to promoting such process.

This book is a collection of essays on the message of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and how its principles and provisions can be turned into effective programmes. The authors are:

• Akila Belembaogo
• Rachel Hodgkin
• Alfhild Petrén
• Thomas Hammarberg
• Barbro Holmberg
• Rakesh Rajani
• Roger Hart
• Peter Newell
• David Parker
• James Himes
• Marta Santos Pais
• Mallika Shakya

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Children's Rights: Turning Principles into Practice