1. Independent Child Rights Monitoring Mechanism - how it can make a difference
The Norwegian Ombudsman for Children
Nepal 25 June 2015
Elin Saga Kjørholt, lawyer

2. Norway 5 million inhabitants 1 120 000 children
The Norwegian Ombudsman for Children
(short movie)

3. Why a monitoring mechanism for Children’s Rights?
Children have no political power
Forgotten when decisions are made
Bring an explicit children’s focus to the government which often has adult focus – help politicians make good decisions

4. Independent HR institutions
The Norwegian system
Independent HR institutions
Division of power
Parliamentary Ombudsman
National Human Rights Institution
Ombudsman for Children
Ombudsman for Gender and Equality
Parliament
GovernmentCabinet
Court
Supreme Court
Ministries
Courts of Appeal
Directorates
District Courts

5. What is an Independent Human Rights Institution for Children
Independent institution with a mandate to monitor, promote and protect children’s rights
A spokesperson for children - explicit children focus
In Norway - no power to make decisions

6. Since the 1990s Rapid growth in the number of Ombudspersons for Children and similar institutions
1996
2012
Variety of models

7. The three main structural categories of child rights institutions
NORWAY
The three main structural categories of child rights institutions

8. UN CRC Committe General Comment no. 2
Paris Principles
UN recommendation that all states should have an Independant National Human Rights Institution
UN CRC Committe General Comment no. 2
Recommends all countries to establish an independent human rights institution for children

9. UNICEF Global Review
Children’s ombudspersons are critical advocates to champion children’s best interests and make governance fit for children Bridging two very different worlds: that of policymaking, government and politics, and that of children, who often find themselves marginalized and excluded from society, and their views sidelined.

10. Legislation should provide for open and transparent processes, including for allocation of resources;
Governments should instruct relevant departments and public bodies at all levels to fully cooperate with the institutions;
Parliaments should closely consult with the institutions;
Civil society should support independent institutions sharing information, supporting children in making complaints, providing research and evidence to strengthen them;
Donors and intergovernmental organizations should provide technical assistance in establishing and strengthening independent institutions and in raising awareness of their role.

11. Independent institutions for children are the mirror of how a society views childhood. Its form and scope must be a result of national and local political and social processes that confer legitimacy and broad ownership to them.

12. How does the Norwegian Ombudsman for Children work?

13. Activites
Promote children’s interest in legislation, policymaking, implementation and monitoring
Promote understanding and awareness of children’s rights in the society

14. We gather information from:
The ombudsman’s opinion
Our own investigation
UN Commitee on the Rights of the Child
Research
NGOs and
the general public
Media
Children
Ombudsmen for children in other countries

15. Then we take action Issue statements and reports with recommendations
The ombudsmans opinion
Hearings, comment on proposed new legislation
Advise to individuals, including children
Letters to the government
Issue statements and reports with recommendations
Lobbying - Meeting with the government, politicians etc
Media (Radio, TV, newspaper, etc)
Holding speeches (conferences etc)

16. Selected topic Make our own surveys Change for children
Talk to relevant minister and Parliamentarians
Look at research and talk to practicioners
Follow up the recommendations
Talk to children
Media attention
Visit institutions
Launch the report, eg. at a seminar
Make our own surveys
Look at legal framework, incl. international standards
Write report with recommendations

17. Child Participation
Ensure that views of children are expressed and heard
Have access to children in care and detention

18. Advice from children: Be more visible!

19. School visits around the country
Children and young people can also contact us anonymously over internet on
“Ask the Ombudsman”

20. facebook.com/barneombudet twitter.com/barneombudet
barneombudet.no
facebook.com/barneombudet twitter.com/barneombudet  
instagram.com/barneombudet