Article 12 UNCRC and the voice of the child

Whewell, Emma

Abstract

Research conducted by the University of the West of England into pre-proceedings in the field of children's social care indicates that children and young people are not being listened to sufficiently or given an effective voice before, during or outside family proceedings and that this which causes them suffering;

The speaker will acknowledge that the problem is complex. She will argue that children's evolving capacities and competence must be considered, that contradictions and ambiguities must be recognised and that difficult conflicts between the rights of adults and parents, and the rights of children and young people also need to be addressed explicitly and balanced.

The presenter will argue that a change in the law is needed to achieve child-friendly justice. Changes to domestic law might help bu, for optimal results, Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child needs to be incorporated into English Law.

Citation

Whewell, E. (2021, April). Article 12 UNCRC and the voice of the child. Presented at The Law Commission Conference (14th Law Reform Programme), 2021, London

• Presentation Conference Type: Speech
• Conference Name: The Law Commission Conference (14th Law Reform Programme), 2021
• Conference Location: London
• Start Date: Apr 23, 2021
• End Date: Apr 23, 2021
• Deposit Date: May 31, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 31, 2023
• Keywords: Voice of the child; pre-proceedings; children's social care; Article 12' UNCRC
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10551479
• Related Public URLs: https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/14th-programme/
• Additional Information: I was invited to give a ‘speed presentation’ at The Law Commission Conference (14th Law Reform Programme), London, April 2021 on 'Article 12 UNCRC and the Voice of the Child'.