Global report on laws protecting children from age discrimination

Publishers Crin Zones International Type Report / Study / Data Date of publication 2009 Document main thematic Child Protection/ Related Topic Total pages 9

Discrimination against children occurs in every corner of the globe. Because it is so ingrained in so many aspects of life – school, work, and home alike – we must call on our governments to take proactive measures to eliminate age discrimination. From issuing declarations to passing legislation or even amending national constitutions, many countries and organisations have taken action to ensure that children enjoy the same rights and protections as adults. Most notably, Australia enacted a comprehensive Age Discrimination Act in 2004. While the Act does permit differential treatment of children in some circumstances, it has done much to address age-based discrimination against children. A review of this and other countries’ actions to guarantee children equal status to adults follows.