Throughout history, the advance of civilization has been closely tied to the idea that all people have rights: universal, inalienable entitlements to freedom, dignity and security, to be treated fairly and to live free from oppression. The health and soul of all societies depend on how these human rights are recognized--and acted upon. Until the…

Analyzes the history of public concern regarding children's rights in the 20th century. Details the political process leading to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, the ratification of the Convention, and its political effects, and presents hypotheses regarding determinants of the Convention's worldwide impact. Notes areas where…

Discusses worldwide economic and sociological dimensions of children's policy. Economic instability, budgetary policy changes, and social shifts have impoverished many children and severely constrained their life prospects. Proposes a New Ethic providing a "first call for children" in national and international policy, modeled after the…