Publisher's Synopsis
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has become the most significant international commitment to upholding the human rights of the child, and the framework it establishes will dominate debates at national and international level for years to come. Yet in spite of its obvious significance, major difficulties and tensions lie at the heart of the convention itself. For example, can a universal declaration be of practical use when applied to specific cultural contexts?;In this collection of original essays, leading international scholars assess the impact of the convention at national and local level, and highlight the tensions which can arise between an international commitment and local custom and practice.;Each essay explores the impact of the convention by concentrating on Article 3, which requires that in all actions concerning children the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration; and suggest that such interests may conflict with the rights of other groups such as women, when applied to specific cultural contexts.
