Introduction

Citation

Sutherland EE & Macfarlane LB (2016) Introduction. In: Sutherland E & Macfarlane L (eds.) Implementing Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Best Interests, Welfare and Well-being. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 1-18. http://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/law/un-and-international-organisations/implementing-article-3-united-nations-convention-rights-child-best-interests-welfare-and-well-being?format=HB&isbn=9781107158252#contentsTabAnchor

Abstract
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child represents a landmark in the development of children’s rights. As one of its general principles of the Convention, Article 3, requiring States Parties to accord primary consideration to the child’s best interests in all actions concerning children and to ensure their care and protection, underpins its operation. This Introduction provides a brief overview of the Convention, noting the central place of Article 3, before outlining the Convention’s evolution and impact and highlighting the significant themes surrounding Article 3 explored in this volume.

Keywords
child; Convention on the Rights of the Child; adoption; ratification; evolution; impact; implementation; enforcement

People

Professor Elaine Sutherland

Emeritus Professor, Law