Welcome to the Policy Working Group!
An introduction video into the ICCRP's policy working group featuring Natasha Blanchet-Cohen, Holly Doel-Mackaway & Amy Cooper.
Who We Are
What is policy? Ideas generated from Policy Working Group members (October, 2022)
The Policy Working Group is made up of many members who represent different disciplines, institutions, and regions of the world – all of whom are working in some way toward the realisation of children’s rights.
Co-leads of the Policy Working Group are Natasha Blanchet-Cohen (Concordia University, Canada) and Holly Doel-Mackaway (Macquarie University, Australia). Amy Cooper (Research Assistant, Concordia University, Canada) supports the working group.
We are always looking to increase our membership and widen the diversity of membership. If you are interested in joining or learning more, please contact us here.
Together, We Hope To ...
Advance research about how children and young people could influence and shape relevant law and policy surrounding children's rights.
Explore possibilities for intergenerational partnerships related to children's rights that could inform legal and policy frameworks and advance the implementation of children's rights internationally.
Analyse the data emerging from the (PDF file) ICCRP case studies (opens in new window) with the view to scan for best practices and identify opportunities for children's participation in legislative and policy reform.
Our Guiding Questions Are...
What are the body of laws and policies that seek to advance children’s rights? What are some key examples of child rights innovations?
What are the notable gaps in children’s rights law and policy? In what areas are these gaps most apparent? What are some key challenges?
How are children and young people participating in law and policy making, as well as in law and policy change, implementation and enforcement? If so, how?
What are the opportunities and conditions for laws and policies to be informed by young people about matters affecting them?
What are the opportunities for intergenerational relationships to transform legal and policy frameworks to advance the realization of children’s rights?
Some Resources!
‘(Re)Imagining children's participatory rights with decolonial learning’ (O Social em Questão)
In the article, (external link, opens in new window) we suggest that participatory rights have been shaped by colonizing projects and suggest alternative ways of thinking and doing, by offering some probing questions designed to redirect and shape a (re)imagining of children’s participation. We explore the connection between children’s participation rights and three of the guiding principles of the convention: non-discrimination (article 2); best interests (article 3); and right to life, survival, and development (article 6).
“Using law and policy for children’s rights”
This 90-minute webinar “Using law and policy for children’s rights” (external link) aimed to explore innovative opportunities that lie at the crossroads of children’s rights, intergenerational participation, and policy work. Featuring an international panel of contributors including Elvis Fokala (Centre for Human Rights, Pretoria, South Africa), Terence Hamilton (Domestic Policy Specialist, UNICEF Canada), Fiona Morrison (University of Edinburg, Scotland), Holly Doel-Mackaway (Macquarie University, Australia), Natasha Blanchet-Cohen (Concordia University, Canada) and Amy Cooper (Concordia University).
Stay tuned for our next meeting!
We are seeking new members for the Law and Policy Working Group. Please reach out should you be interested in joining us.