This research aims to evaluate the role that Kenyan independent churches play in the protection of the fundamental human rights of children. It became apparent during the course of the research that Kenya's independent churches have numerous shortcomings that affect their ability to protect such rights. The Kenyan independent churches are affected by the negative effects of an African traditional worldview. Among the effects of this worldview is the tolerance of female genital mutilation, polygamy and corporal punishment, practices that contravene the United Nation's Declaration on the Rights of Children. The research further discovered that some of the Kenyan independent churches perpetuate the violation of the fundamental human rights of children with their gross misunderstanding of Scripture, especially the wisdom of Bible texts such as Proverbs 22:15. A literal application of Scripture and a tendency to lean towards casuistic ethics contribute to the misuse and misunderstanding of the Bible verses that touch on the human dignity of children. The violation of the fundamental human rights of children is rampant in Kenya. The number of independent churches involved in protecting the fundamental human rights of children is very small. The few independent churches that offer child services offer relief services rather than embracing a human rights approach to serving children. Although the independent churches make out the majority and are the fastest growing among the churches, it is notable that mission churches such as the Catholic and Anglican churches are more involved in protecting the fundamental human rights of children when compared to the independent churches in Kenya. Kenyan independent churches furthermore suffer the effects of poverty coupled with illiteracy, a factor that affects their ability to champion the fundamental human rights of children as stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children. On the positive side, some social cultural values common among the independent churches, such as African communal solidarity and the extended family system, promote the well–being of children. However, overall the Kenyan independent churches have not successfully responded to the violation of the fundamental human rights of children. This inability remains a concern worthy addressing. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Street children in Central America are largely denied protection of their human rights. They live in difficult situations of poverty, inappropriate work and neglect, and thus are not able to enjoy most of their rights and basic needs. / The international framework for children's human rights law, composed primarily of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the principles inherent to it, can be described as based on a doctrine of integral protection, a notion developed primarily by Central American legal scholars. At the same time, however, most Central American states ignore their obligations to conform their domestic legislation to these standards. / This thesis is meant to provide Central American countries with guidelines captured by a model referred to as UPPP2. Its main objective is for States to acknowledge that the plight of street children needs to be understood; prevented by adequate domestic legislation; and requires protection by effective implementation and provision of justice.

The principle 'best interests of the child' has been expanded by the legal community in recent years to apply to any matter involving children in family law proceedings. The weight ascribed to this principle, however, has been diluted. In custody, access and child protection cases, evidence of which custodial arrangements are in a child's interests are often presented by adult parties in prolonged and costly proceedings. The judge makes an order which is intended to meet the child's "best interests", in the child's absence. This paper first examines the historical and theoretical justifications for children's rights in Canadian and international law and the "best interests" principle. Second, the concept of "legal representation for children" is explored, with specific reference to inconsistencies in the jurisprudence concerning the role of independent representation for children. This paper argues that to truly reflect a custodial or access arrangement made in the child's "best interests", it is imperative that the child's voice be heard by the court through independent legal counsel assigned to represent that child's individual needs and concerns.

Child participation and the right of children to be heard in matters that directly affect them, including in judicial and administrative matters, is a right that is entrenched in a number of international and regional instruments. This right is also entrenched in the South African Constitution that provides for children to be legally represented, at State expense, in civil proceedings affecting them and this includes divorce proceedings. However, this constitutional right is limited to those circumstances where a substantial injustice would otherwise result should such legal representation not be afforded. This thesis examined how the voices of children can be heard during divorce proceedings and makes recommendations as to when children involved in divorce proceedings should be granted legal representation at State expense.

No abstract available.

Child participation and the right of children to be heard in matters that directly affect them, including in judicial and administrative matters, is a right that is entrenched in a number of international and regional instruments. This right is also entrenched in the South African Constitution that provides for children to be legally represented, at State expense, in civil proceedings affecting them and this includes divorce proceedings. However, this constitutional right is limited to those circumstances where a substantial injustice would otherwise result should such legal representation not be afforded. This thesis examined how the voices of children can be heard during divorce proceedings and makes recommendations as to when children involved in divorce proceedings should be granted legal representation at State expense.

Thesis (Ph.D) -- Australian National University, 2006.

Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 146-152). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.A. (Political & International Studies)) - Rhodes University, 2009. / A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in International Relations.

Thesis (M.A.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 183-194. Also available in electronic format on the Internet.