ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a brief synopsis of children as rights holders and outline key international developments and rights instruments which have led to, and continue to advocate for, the right to inclusive education for all. It focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Children’s rights protect three hierarchical categories of interest: essentials of care from parents and developmental and autonomy interests. The UNCRC was ratified by the United Kingdom in 1991. It has received international acclaim and was described early on as ‘laying the foundation for a better world’. Inclusive education is increasingly advocated by international declarations and instruments. The Committee on the Rights of the Child has ‘become increasingly critical’ of educational provision for the child with disabilities and ‘has developed an understanding of the right to education as one of inclusive education’.
