Political Science: Key Concepts in International Law and Child Rights

This section covers fundamental concepts in political science, international law, and child rights frameworks.

Definition of a Child

Per the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (1989), "every human being below the age of 18 years is a child" unless national law establishes majority status earlier.

Human Rights

Human rights represent individual entitlements to conditions necessary for fully developing inherent human characteristics and potential. They are universal, inalienable, and indivisible.

Child Rights vs. General Human Rights

Children have distinct developmental needs differing from adults, necessitating specialised rights frameworks as outlined in international instruments such as the UNCRC.

Armed Conflict

An armed conflict involves contested disagreement regarding governance or territory where armed force between parties (at least one being a state government) produces minimum 25 battle-related deaths.

Terrorism

Terrorism represents "the threatened and actual resort to ideological and political violence by non-state groups" pursuing limited or extensive objectives. Cross-border terrorism involves acts pursued by groups within one state originating from outside its borders, potentially with state backing.