Children and the Human Rights Act 1998

This booklet aims to introduce people and organisations working with children to the use of the Human Rights Act 1998 in the advocacy of children’s rights. Laws set standards, and we intend this information to be used for education and negotiation as much as for litigation. Where legal action is necessary, this booklet is intended as an introduction rather than as a detailed guide. At the back of the booklet there is information on where to get advice and support.

In this booklet, children are taken to be people under eighteen. All children have rights. However, though it is hoped to encourage a general culture favourable to children’s rights, this booklet focuses on the particular problems faced by the children with whom Save the Children is concerned:

• children disadvantaged by poverty, discrimination, and exclusion

• children with special needs

• children without families or in care

• refugee children.