The dissertation traces events that contributed towards a climate where the status of children changed from property to that of person status with the concomitant recognition of children's rights. Social conditions in England, America and France from late preindustrial times to the early twentieth century were investigated. The United Nations' role in establishing children rights documentation and an evaluation of these d~μrpents in terms of the educational implications thereof were described and discussed. The African perspective towards international children's rights documents events was outlined while the attempts of Africa to address the unique needs of the African child were detailed. In the light of the changing social orientation in the Republic of South Africa, children's rights advocacy in South Africa was reviewed. Criteria for evaluati-ng documents addressing the needs of children were proposed and based on the findings of the study, recommendations regarding the direction of children's rights advocacy were advanced. / M. Ed. (History of Education)

The dissertation traces events that contributed towards a climate where the status of children changed from property to that of person status with the concomitant recognition of children's rights. Social conditions in England, America and France from late preindustrial times to the early twentieth century were investigated. The United Nations' role in establishing children rights documentation and an evaluation of these d~μrpents in terms of the educational implications thereof were described and discussed. The African perspective towards international children's rights documents events was outlined while the attempts of Africa to address the unique needs of the African child were detailed. In the light of the changing social orientation in the Republic of South Africa, children's rights advocacy in South Africa was reviewed. Criteria for evaluati-ng documents addressing the needs of children were proposed and based on the findings of the study, recommendations regarding the direction of children's rights advocacy were advanced. / M. Ed. (History of Education)