Official web site: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/crc
The Committee on the Rights of the Child was established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 1989 and entered into force in 1990. Article 43 established the Committee to monitor the implementation of the Convention.
Ratifying the Convention obligates Parties as a first step to review their national legislation to make sure it is in line with its provisions. Each ratifying nation must submit a report to the Committee, two years after ratification and then every five years, on measures it has taken to implement the provisions of the Convention in a practical way, and the difficulties and constraints faced in the process. Parties also make their reports widely available to the public in their own countries.
The Committee consists of 10 experts of high moral standing and recognized competence in the field covered by the Convention. They are elected by Parties and serve in their personal capacity, consideration being given to equitable geographical distribution, as well as to the principal legal systems. Each Party may nominate one person from among its own nationals. Elections are held every second year. Members of the Committee serve a four-year term and normally meet annually.
Every two years, the Committee reports on its activities to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, Specialized agencies, UNICEF and other United Nations organs are entitled to be represented during the consideration of the implementation of such provisions of the Convention as fall within the scope of their mandate. The Committee may invite them to provide expert advice and submit reports thereon.
Organization/treaty: Convention on the Rights of the Child
Enabling document: General Assembly resolutions 44/25, 47/112 and 49/211
Technical secretariat: Human Rights Treaties Branch
Substantive secretariat: Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch