Principles That Apply to Child Protection Management

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by the United Nations in 1989. It is important for us to note the different articles in the CRC as we all have a duty to make sure all children’s rights are acted upon.

Below we highlight a number of the articles in the CRC that underpin some of the principles we are duty bound to uphold when working on child protection case management. These include:

The Best Interests of the Child

Article 3.1 of the CRC shows how the best interests of a child must be a primary consideration in all the decisions that are taken and everything we do to support and protect them.

‘In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration’ (CRC, Article 3.1).

Respect for the Views of the Child

‘States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child’ (CRC, Article 12.1).

Non-discrimination and Inclusion

‘States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status’ (CRC, Article 2).

• The fulfilment and enjoyment of their rights
• Their meaningful participation
• Their access to opportunities and resources.

Right to Life, to Survive and Development

‘States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life” and “States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child’ (CRC, Article 6).

This means we must consider anything that affects the fulfillment of children’s right to life as well as their physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual development.

Do No Harm

We must also remind ourselves of the importance of the ‘do no harm’ principle. This means we should ensure all actions and decisions are undertaken in a way that minimises any possible harm to a child as well as ensures they experience the greatest benefits from them.

We will discuss other principles including those of confidentiality and accountability later in the course. It is also important to be aware of the national laws of the country you are working in as well as relevant international treaties and guidance.

Further information on the principles listed above – and others that are critical for child protection case management – can be found in the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action.

The ‘See Also’ section below has links to other reading material that may be of interest to you.