The ethical dimension of ancient laws

Due to the inclusion of unwritten laws, surviving from the Stone Age, the (pre-Hammurabi) Sumerian legal system was surprisingly liberal. We can still learn from it, now that our system has caused the ethical dimension to wither – with dire consequences.

Wim Bonis • November 10, 2017 • 4 comments

A child-friendly ASEAN?

This blog discusses the compliance of the ASEAN instruments on children’s rights with international standards, their capability in addressing current regional issues and whether an ASEAN children’s rights treaty is needed.

Klarise Anne Estorninos • November 02, 2017

In need of the wisdom of de-escalation

To prevent a global disaster we badly need to stop the escalation of international conflicts, like the one between North Korea and the US. But how can we open the way to de-escalation? And can law or mediation contribute anything here?

Wim Bonis • October 02, 2017 • 2 comments

Artificial Womb Technology and Children’s Rights: Complete Fantasy or Future Reality?

In the growing field of Assisted Reproductive Technology, the next step might be an Artificial Womb. This would bring with it many questions with regards to the child’s right to identity; which, after all, are not so unfamiliar to the field.

Capucine Page • September 27, 2017

Inspired by wilderness

For a long time civilisation was equated with cultivating wilderness and urbanisation. Now climate change is threatening us, in many fields – including law – the positive value of wilderness is being rediscovered and the importance of experiencing it.

Wim Bonis • August 21, 2017 • 3 comments

Reflections from Lebanon: Illegal Status, Syrian Refugee Children and Roles of NGOs

Increasing numbers of displaced Syrians are becoming illegal in Lebanon. The blog will describe the negative consequences of the lack of legal status on children’s rights in practice, that have been observed through the author’s experiences on the ground.

Chiaki Takenouchi • August 11, 2017 • 1 comment

Access to water for children in the Netherlands

Children have a right to water. No household should be cut off from water if children are involved. Both the government and the water companies should adjust their policies accordingly.

Giulia de Groot, Thomas Franx, Adriaan Milders and Maxime Köster • July 26, 2017 • 2 comments

Child-friendly Judgments :-)

Courts deliver judgments in child-friendly language. This fits in the concept of child-friendly justice, which aims to make justice systems accessible for children. Yet the examples show how difficult it is to make judicial decisions really child-friendly.

Ton Liefaard • July 18, 2017

The Dutch Children’s Ombudsman put on the map

The Dutch Children’s Ombudsman successfully monitors the rights of children. The evaluation of the Children’s Ombudsman Act shows, however, that its autonomous position, in relation to the National Ombudsman, could be strengthened.

Marielle Bruning and Stephanie Rap • July 17, 2017

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