Human rights begin with children’s rights. A society which respects the human rights of children, should, within a generation, become a society which respects all human rights.
	The protection and promotion of children’s rights can be an effective entry point into the broader, and sometimes more threatening, arena of human rights. Governments, the media and the general public may be more open to discussing the rights of children than other, more politicized, human rights issues. The near universal ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child plays an important role in this regard.
	Unfortunately, children often get lost in the political shuffle. Largely invisible in most societies, children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. They have no vote, voice or avenues to demand their rights. Their interests are rarely represented in political processes or decision making, and despite rhetoric to the contrary, children are not a high priority in policy making or in the allocation of budgetary and other resources.
	Children need a force that can magnify their voices, so that their views and interests are effectively represented to Government and broader society. Therefore, special arrangements are needed to ensure the effective promotion and protection of children’s rights.
	In countries which are seeking to develop a human rights culture overall, establishing an office focused on the human rights of children can be a logical start.

	to promote full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child;
	to promote a higher priority for children and a higher visibility of children, in government and in civil society;
	to improve public attitudes toward children;
	to influence law, policy and practice, both by responding to government and other proposals and by actively proposing changes;
	to promote proper co-ordination of government for children at all levels;
	to promote effective use of resources for children;
	to facilitate channels for children’s views, and to encourage government and the public to give proper respect to children’s views;
	to review children’s access to, and the effectiveness of, advocacy and complaints systems, including in institutions, schools, and the courts;
	to respond to individual problems or complaints from children, and where appropriate to initiate or support legal action on behalf of children.

	There should be a legislative framework setting out the mandate and powers of the office. If the office is within a national human rights institution, the legislation establishing the office should include provisions setting out specific functions, rights and duties relating to children. These should be linked to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
	There should be an identifiable "ombudsman" or representative for children, either within an independent office or as part of the national human rights institution. Ideally this should be someone who will bring status and public and political respect to the task, have a high public profile and so enhance the status and visibility of children.
	This office should have appropriate staffing and a "ring-fenced" minimum budget, as well as be able to attract additional funds from other sources