Publication

This report provides an overview of Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC’s) background and structure and examines evolving US policy toward the Convention, including past and current Administration positions and congressional perspectives. It also highlights issues for the 112th Congress, including the Convention’s possible impact on federal and state laws, US sovereignty, parental rights, and US family planning and abortion policy. In addition, the report addresses the effectiveness of CRC in protecting the rights of children internationally and its potential use as an instrument of US foreign policy.