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Children and the Convention: The Danish Debate (From Children's Rights: A Comparative Perspective, P 65-92, 1996, Michael Freeman, ed. -- See NCJ-161805)

NCJ Number
161807
Author(s)
L Nielsen; L Frost
Date Published
1996
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses issues being debated in Denmark regarding that country's compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Abstract
The first section of the paper discusses the rights of Danish children examined by the Children's Rights Committee. Based on the report of this committee, the author concludes that Danish legislation generally meets the requirements of the UN Child Convention, but there are still imperfections regarding children's rights which the committee has identified and that Danish society must address. The first issue considered in this paper is a child's right to a mother and a father. The topics addressed in discussing the implementation of this right in Denmark are existing Danish law on parental rights and the current debate on parental rights. The second major issue discussed is the new Act on Custody and Access, which pertains to custody and access rights for parents. The third issue addressed is the child's right to identity. This right has been debated in Denmark regarding the right for the child to know his/her genetic parents in the case of artificial insemination by a donor or egg donation. Topics considered are existing law on donor anonymity and the debate on donor anonymity. Another issue reviewed is violence against children. This issue is examined from the perspectives of family law, social welfare law, and the criminal law. The current debate on violence against children is also summarized. The remaining issues examined in this paper are the compulsory removal of the child from the parental home and children's right to self-determination. The latter topic encompasses custody, access, placement outside the home, and the adoption and transfer of custody to third parties. 49 notes