Ellen Desmet Ghent University – University of Antwerp

1. 21 November 2012 Welsh Parliament – Implementing the UNCRC: the Welsh approach in an international context Implementing the CRC in Belgium Ellen Desmet Ghent University – University of Antwerp e.desmet@ugent.be

2. Belgian state structure • State structure • Federal state • Three Communities • Three Regions • Sixth state reform -> Communities will be responsible for family policy Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012

3. Belgian state structure • Challenges • Different legislative developments (+ different pace) • Policy coherence • Data (dis)aggregation • International reporting obligations -> coordination by the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012

4. The CRC in Belgium • Monistic legal system • But direct effect? • Constitution • Art. 11: prohibition of discrimination (cf. Art. 2 CRC) • Art. 22bis: • Right to respect for his or her "moral, physical, mental and sexual integrity“ • Right to be heard (cf. Art. 12 CRC) • Development (cf. Art. 6 CRC) • Best interests of the child (cf. Art. 3 CRC) • References in legislation Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012

5. 1997 Decree on Child Impact Report 2002 Decree on FlemishYouth Policy Flanders Legislation 2008 Decree on conducting a Flemishpolicy on youth and children’srights 2012 Decree on a renewedyouth and children’srightspolicy Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012

6. Flanders Policy • Coordinating minister on children’ s rights (also minister of Youth) • Instruments of youth and children’s rights policy • Policy plans • Flemish Action Plans on Children’s Rights (2004 and 2011-2014) • Next: youth and children’s rights action plan Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012

7. Flanders Policy • Focal points for youth and children’s rights policy • Child and youth impact report (JoKER) • Ex ante impact assessment • For all legislative proposals based on initiative from the Flemish government • That have a direct impact on the interest of persons under the age of 25 -> publicly accessible • Reflection group on youth and children’s rights policy Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012

8. Role of parliamentarians Federal Parliament • No separate commission on human rights Flemish Parliament • Flemish Children’s Rights Commissioner • Presentation of annual report • Advisory work for parliamentary commissions • Information of new evolutions Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012

9. Thank you www.keki.be www.kekidatabank.be Implementing the CRC in Flanders – 21 November 2012