International law sources and institutions

This chapter provides an outline of some of the key sources, concepts and institutions that are necessary for an understanding of the international law relating to children. Those already familiar with international law sources and institutions might wish to omit this chapter, although it contains references to child law related examples that illustrate some of the general international law points discussed. A number of topics, discussed in some detail in general international law textbooks (eg Dixon 2013; Klabbers 2013; Crawford 2012; Aust 2010; Evans 2010; Kaczorowska 2010; Shaw 2008), are omitted here as they have little connection specifically with the realm of international child law. Thus the reader will find little about the law of the sea, territorial sovereignty, state succession and other concepts and institutions which do not relate directly to the subject of this book. However, an understanding of international child law will require some basic knowledge of the international legal system, how disputes are resolved and the nature of some of the key international institutions that have an important role to play in this field.