The Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is composed of 18 independent experts, which are elected for a term of four years by States parties. It monitors the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It also monitors the implementation of two Optional Protocols, one concerning the involvement of children in armed conflict and one concerning the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
Members serve in their personal capacity and may be re-elected if nominated. The Committee normally convenes three times a year for sessions of three weeks' duration, normally in January, May and September at the United Nations Office in Geneva.
Definition of 'the child' of the CRC
Schematic state report procedure
A procedure of individual complaints does not yet exist for the Committee on the Rights of the Child. A UN working group has been considering a new Optional Protocol that would establish such a procedure. In June 2011, the UN Human Rights Council has adopted the final draft Optional Protocol on a communications procedure for children’s rights violations. The new protocol will enable the CRC to examine communications from children and their representatives alleging violations of their rights. A documentation of the work of this working group can be found on the website of the international human rights NGO network CRIN: http://www.crin.org/law/CRC_complaints/.
Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989.
Entry into force 2 September 1990, in accordance with article 49
Link: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution A/RES/54/263 of 25 May 2000.
Entry into force 12 February 2002.
Link: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc-conflict.htm
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution A/RES/54/263 of 25 May 2000.
Entry into force 18 January 2002.
Last change: 25.08.11 - 11:32