EDITORIAL = 1
THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND = 2
The growth of human rights institutions for children = 3
THE IMPACT OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD = 3
Obligations under the Convention = 3
Bridging the gap between rhetoric and reality = 4
THE AIMS AND FUNCTIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS FOR CHILDREN = 4
The aims = 4
The functions = 4
THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS = 7
Independence = 7
Clear, comprehensive and adequate powers = 8
Accessibility = 9
Working in collaboration = 9
Accountability = 9
WHAT TYPE OF INSTITUTION? = 9
Integrated or specialized? = 9
Advantages of a specialized institution = 9
Advantages of an integrated institution = 10
National or regional institutions? = 10
MAKING THE CASE FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTION FOR CHILDREN = 10
What would be the aims of the institution? = 10
What institutions already exist to promote and protect the human rights of children? = 11
What support can be mobilized for the establishment of a human rights institution for children? = 11
CHALLENGING THE OBJECTIONS = 12
EXISTING INSTITUTIONS = 15
THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND = 2
The growth of human rights institutions for children = 3
THE IMPACT OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD = 3
Obligations under the Convention = 3
Bridging the gap between rhetoric and reality = 4
THE AIMS AND FUNCTIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS FOR CHILDREN = 4
The aims = 4
The functions = 4
THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS = 7
Independence = 7
Clear, comprehensive and adequate powers = 8
Accessibility = 9
Working in collaboration = 9
Accountability = 9
WHAT TYPE OF INSTITUTION? = 9
Integrated or specialized? = 9
Advantages of a specialized institution = 9
Advantages of an integrated institution = 10
National or regional institutions? = 10
MAKING THE CASE FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTION FOR CHILDREN = 10
What would be the aims of the institution? = 10
What institutions already exist to promote and protect the human rights of children? = 11
What support can be mobilized for the establishment of a human rights institution for children? = 11
CHALLENGING THE OBJECTIONS = 12
EXISTING INSTITUTIONS = 15