Orphanages, trafficking and the rule of law
The way that children are treated by national and domestic legal, social welfare, and justice systems is integral to the achievement of rule of law. Institutional care of children (e.g. orphanages, children’s homes, rescue centres) should be places of last resort and used only in the short-term. Yet, it is estimated that more than eight million children live in institutions globally, and many in the long-term.
Strengthening care systems, institutions, and domestic legal and policy frameworks for children outside of parental care is important to further rule of law efforts to protect children and guarantee full respect for children’s rights. Through a mix of lecture and interactive activities, this workshop will explore the concept of institutionalisation, alternative forms of care, and the role that care reforms can play in protecting and furthering rule of law.
We will further address the correlation between institutions and trafficking which has been documented in several countries around the globe as well as the related phenomenon of ‘orphanage voluntourism’. Participants will be given a snapshot of the global efforts to address institutionalisation and trafficking, as well as the care reforms which are taking place in a number of countries.
The way that children are treated by national and domestic legal, social welfare, and justice systems is integral to the achievement of rule of law. Institutional care of children (e.g. orphanages, children’s homes, rescue centres) should be places of last resort and used only in the short-term. Yet, it is estimated that more than eight million children live in institutions globally, and many in the long-term.
Strengthening care systems, institutions, and domestic legal and policy frameworks for children outside of parental care is important to further rule of law efforts to protect children and guarantee full respect for children’s rights. Through a mix of lecture and interactive activities, this workshop will explore the concept of institutionalisation, alternative forms of care, and the role that care reforms can play in protecting and furthering rule of law.
We will further address the correlation between institutions and trafficking which has been documented in several countries around the globe as well as the related phenomenon of ‘orphanage voluntourism’. Participants will be given a snapshot of the global efforts to address institutionalisation and trafficking, as well as the care reforms which are taking place in a number of countries.