International Children’s Rights (Advanced LL.M.)

Prof. Ann Skelton

Programme Director & Former Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child

'Educating the next generation of child rights activists is my passion. Sending these graduates out into the world is a clear arrow path to children's rights realization. And it's fun!'

Prof. Ton Liefaard

Professor of Children's Rights - UNICEF Chair in Children's Rights

'International children’s rights is a unique, dynamic and complex area of law. This programme offers advanced, specialist knowledge and practical skills required to effectively protect the rights of children worldwide.'

Mia Dambach

Child Identity Protection - Executive Director

'I always enjoy giving lectures to the students undertaking the Leiden Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights, as the discussions and their questions, show that through the course and their own experience, they have an excellent grasp of the complexities surrounding children’s rights.'

'It's also a great opportunity to identify promising talent that may eventually become team members and will definitely become colleagues.'

What does this master's programme entail?

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights provides an advanced study of the field of children’s rights and pays particular attention to its intersections with diverse fields of law, including international human rights law, civil and political rights, and the economic, social, and cultural rights of children, and aspects of public and private international law.

The programme Advanced Studies in International Children’s Rights (LL.M.) offers a multi-layered study (covering international legal systems, regional, and national legal systems), as well as an interdisciplinary scope, to examine the most relevant issues impacting children worldwide.  How do we balance the rights of children, parents, and the state? Which rights do refugee children have in their host communities?  Do children have the right to protest? And how can children’s rights be legally enforced in various countries across the globe? The programme also explores topics such as private international law, the economic, social, and cultural rights of children, and the role of children in the justice system. In addition, you will learn about the enforcement and monitoring of children’s rights and the impact of children’s rights and digital technologies.

Relevance

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child anchors the rights of every child to protection, healthcare, education, participation and more. Yet, despite being the most widely ratified international human rights treaty, children continue to face serious rights violations. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges have been compounded by a proliferation of armed conflicts, including the wars in the Middle East, Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, alongside escalating violence affecting children in other regions. Together, these crises have placed children’s rights under profound and sustained pressure. In this programme, you will learn what children’s rights mean and how to promote and protect the rights of children around the world, also in light of the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Reasons to choose International Children’s Rights at Leiden University?

• Unique master in the world: The programme prides itself on being the only LL.M. in Europe offering a legal degree (LL.M.) on international children’s rights.
• Expert instructors: The academic staff members are renowned legal experts in human rights law and children’s rights. You will also interact with prominent guest lecturers from international organisations, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The programme offers a small-scale learning environment and provides individual guidance to help students succeed in the advanced studies master's programme.
• International classroom: Students come from all over the world, which enriches the in-class conversations and enhances the overall learning experience.
• A vibrant academic and professional community: As a student, you will become part of a dynamic children’s rights community at Leiden Law School. Beyond the classroom, you may engage with initiatives such as the Leiden Children’s Rights Clinic and the bi-annual Children’s Rights Moot Court. These initiatives offer opportunities to connect academic learning with practice, research, advocacy, and professional exchange. You will also benefit from interaction with alumni working across academia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, policy, advocacy, and legal practice.
• Preparation for exciting career opportunities: The LL.M. programme nurtures a new generation of scholars and practitioners, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities working with and for children across the globe in the field of law and human rights.

Find more reasons to study the Master of Laws in International Children’s Rights at Leiden University.