Realising Māori Children’s Rights

Abstract

This article argues that the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child are of limited relevance, when considering Māori children’s rights. It further argues that law and processes recognising Māori children’s rights should be grounded in the principles of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Treaty of Waitangi. The analysis suggests that realising Māori children’s rights will require decolonisation of youth justice and family justice systems, respect for Māori self-determination and the recognition of Māori children’s collective cultural rights.