International Children’s Rights (Advanced LL.M.)

Prof. Ann Skelton

Programme Director & Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child

"Educating the next generation of child rights activists is my passion. Sending these graduates out into the world is a clear arrow path to children's rights realization. And it is fun!"

Prof. Ton Liefaard

Professor of Children's Rights

“International children’s rights is a unique, dynamic and complex area of law. This programme offers advanced, specialist knowledge and practical skills required to effectively protect the rights of children worldwide.”

Mia Dambach

Child Identity Protection

I always enjoy giving lectures to the students undertaking the Leiden Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights, as the discussions and their questions, show that through the course and their own experience, they have an excellent grasp of the complexities surrounding children’s rights.

It is also a great opportunity to identify promising talent that may eventually become team members and will definitely become colleagues.

What does this master's programme entail?

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights provides an advanced study of the field of children’s rights and pays particular attention to its intersections with diverse fields of law, including human rights law international, private international law, and the economic, social, and cultural rights of children.

The programme Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights (LL.M.) offers a multi-layered study (covering international legal systems, regional, and national legal systems), as well as an interdisciplinary scope, to examine the most relevant issues impacting children worldwide. What are the rights of the child when it comes to forced marriages or protection against violence or exploitation? Which rights do refugee children have in their host communities? How do we balance between the rights of children, parents, and the state? And how can children’s rights be legally enforced in various countries across the globe? The programme also explores topics such as private international law, the economic, social, and cultural rights of children, and the role of children in the justice system. In addition, you will learn about the enforcement and monitoring of children’s rights and the impact of children’s rights and digital technologies.

Relevance

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child anchors the right of every child; to protection, healthcare, education, participation and more. Though this is the most ratified international human rights instrument, children today still face significant rights violations and the COVID-19 pandemic has put children’s rights to the test. In this programme, you will learn what children’s rights mean and how to promote and protect the rights of children around the world, also in light of the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Reasons to choose International Children’s Rights at Leiden University?

• Only one master in the world: The programme prides itself on being the only LLM in Europe offering a legal degree (LL.M.) on international children’s rights.
• Expert instructors: The academic staff members are renowned legal experts in human rights law and children’s rights. You will also interact with prominent guest lecturers from international organisations, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The programme offers a small-scale learning environment and provides individual guidance to help you succeed in your master of advanced studies.
• Exciting career opportunities: The LL.M. programs nurture a new generation of scholars and practitioners, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities working with and for children across the globe in the field of law and human rights.

Find more reasons to study the Master of Laws in International Children’s Rights at Leiden University.