Protecting the rights of children
“I am passionate about protecting children's rights, and in developing young lawyers with a commitment to protecting human rights in their own careers.”
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 12.1 States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views, the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.
Why this matters
In Australia:
- 1 in 6 children live below the national poverty line
- Almost 95% of children do not meet the daily recommended intake of vegetables
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 18 years are 7 times more likely to be out of home care than the population average
Source: The Wellbeing of Australia's Children, UNICEF & ARACY, March 2023
Our impact
Professor Tobin launched the Human Rights Program in 2022, with the primary goal of curating and promoting the extensive range of teaching, research and engagement activities being undertaken within the Melbourne Law School (MLS) in the field of human rights.
The Human Rights Program's secondary goal is to increase students' engagement with co-curricular activities and campus life, by fostering an inclusive, diverse and active community built on a shared passion for Human Rights.
There are many opportunties for student to get involved in this work including the inspiring stories of former students working in the field of human rights captured in the Portrait Gallery on Level 2 of MLS and available online here.
Professor Tobin is himself a leader in children's rights law and provides advice and particpates through key advisory and policy bodies such as the Victorian Children's Council and the Child's Rights Taskforce.
While policy development requires tenacity, this work can have real impact. Professor Tobin was part of the team producing the first Child's Righs Report for Queensland late in 2023. This helps policy makers know where to focus their attention in ensuing a safe and supportive place for children.
The report gathered detailed data on many issues facing children, including family violence, barriers facing children with a disability and bullying, amongst others.
Professor Tobin published The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child through Oxford University Press in March 2019 to share his knowledge locally and globally. This book will next be translated into Mandarin, which will potentially affect the lives of millions of children.
Over the summer of 2023/24, Professor Tobin worked with a large commercial law firm to deliver pro bono legal assistance to UNICEF in drafting a submission to the International Court of Justice on the legal obligations of States to address climate change.
