ABSTRACT
A key point in studying discrimination is that discriminatory actions involve some form of exclusion and may concern both material and non-material matters. The principles of equality and non-discrimination are the foundations of international law and international human rights law as they are principles or rights enshrined in each and every global or regional international human rights instrument. Several forms of child discrimination have existed for a long period. International and national discussions have seen the mainstreaming of discussions of gender discrimination and have brought the discrimination faced by girls to the forefront. Discrimination in its most subtle form comes from societal attitudes and acceptance toward children with disabilities. Children’s health and discrimination relating to the health sector has been an area for which international scrutiny has widened, including the teenage pregnancy rate, access to contraceptives and safe abortion rights. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
