ABSTRACT
This chapter first examines the meaning of “family” and the protection afforded to the family by various human rights instruments. Then, attention is given to the child’s best interests and recognition of the child’s evolving capacities. The question whether a child acquires rights within the family before, or only after, birth is also discussed. Other topics that receive attention are the child’s rights to health advice and treatment, to religious choice, to know his or her birth parents, and to have a relationship with his or her parents after their separation; discrimination against non-marital children; adoption, kafalah and intercountry adoption; early marriage; physical punishment; and the child’s right to privacy in the family.
