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This chapter provides commentary on art. 17 of the CRC on access to appropriate information through media. Issues of access, diversity of sources, dissemination, the beneficial nature of information, children’s books, materials specifically relevant for children belonging to a minority or indigenous group and protection against harmful content are explored. The chapter closes with new obligations in relation to children’s rights in the digital age.

This chapter provides commentary on art. 27 of the CRC on the right to an adequate standard of living. The chapter hoovers in on key components of the right: housing, food and water. It explains how child poverty is the antithesis of the right to an adequate standard of living.

This chapter provides commentary on art. 21 of the CRC on adoption. It explains the conditions that adoptions must meet under the Convention and engages, in particular, with the debate on inter-country adoptions. Art. 21 of the CRC considers inter-country adoption a measure of last resort, which may lead to subsidiarity conflicts with art. 20 of the CRC.

This chapter provides commentary on art. 29 of the CRC on the aims of education. This chapter examines the five aims of education listed in art. 29 of the CRC. It also looks into the second dimension of this provision, that is, the freedom to establish and direct educational institutions.

This chapter provides commentary on art. 5 of the CRC on the responsibility of parents to provide appropriate direction and guidance to their child, in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child. The chapter analyses the nature of the obligations state have in this regard, and explains the role that is attributed to parents under the CRC. It also tackles the questions of capacity and competency of children.

This chapter provides commentary on art. 22 of the CRC on asylum-seeking and refugee children. The chapter addresses key issues such as the definition of a refugee, non-refoulement obligations and the content of protection and assistance, incorporating insights from the case law of regional courts. The chapter brings in insights from migration law and engages with new developments in the field of migration such as the Global Compact for Migration.

This chapter provides commentary on art. 3 of the CRC on the best interests of the child. The chapter explores the legal implications of the best interests notion in terms of defining, assessing and determining best interests as well as of balancing diverging interests on different levels (art. 3.1 CRC). States’ obligations to provide children with such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being (art. 3.2 CRC) and the corresponding obligation to ensure appropriate standards for institutions, services and responsibilities responsible for such care and protection (art. 3.3 CRC) are also addressed. In conclusion, the chapter relates art. 3 to other human rights of children, in particular as guaranteed under art. 12 CRC.