Update: 12.05.2014
European Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights
Official Text
The European Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights entered into force on 1 July 2000 and aims to protect the best interests of children. It provides a number of procedural measures to allow children to exercise their rights. It sets up a Standing Committee which keeps under review problems relating to the Convention.
The Convention provides for measures which aim to promote the rights of the children, in particular in family proceedings before judicial authorities. The judicial authority, or person appointed to act before a judicial authority on behalf of a child, has a number of duties designed to facilitate the exercise of rights by children. Children should be allowed to exercise their rights either themselves or through other persons or bodies.
Among the types of family proceedings of special interest for children are those concerning custody, residence, access, questions of parentage, legitimacy, adoption, legal guardianship, administration of property of children, care procedures, removal or restriction of parental responsibilities, protection from cruel or degrading treatment and medical treatment. Switzerland is not currently a signature of this Convention.
Information Sources
- European Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights – Explanatory Report
- Child Rights Information Network
- Save the Children
- UNICEF
Official site of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
