Child Maltreatment as a Problem in International Law

Abstract

Despite some challenges in addressing child maltreatment in international law, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and related documents establish a framework for the protection of children, including the stimulation of more humane policies and practices and opportunities for engaging children as active members of the community. Concerned about the slow progress of governments in establishing national systems of support to protect children, the Committee on the Rights of the Child has adopted General Comment No. 13 to refocus child protection efforts on the prevention of child maltreatment. General Comment 13 provides guidance about the right to protection in the CRC and specific guidelines to help governments improve their effectiveness in preventing and treating child maltreatment. Among the recommendations of General Comment 13 is a focus on community-based child protection.