"The fulfilment of children’s rights, including those to protection, depends on a global movement in which everybody not only understands and respects their duties to children, but also acts upon them. Parliaments and their members can and should be among the foremost champions of child protection. They can legislate, oversee government activity, allocate financial resources and, as leaders within their nations and communities, raise awareness of issues and provide advocacy. This handbook addresses all of those functions. It does so in general terms, and with regard to ten specific child protection issues birth registration and the right to identity; protection of children in armed conflict; sexual exploitation of children; trafficking and sale of children; harmful traditional practices; violence and neglect; alternative care; juvenile justice; child labour; and the rights of child victims. The handbook includes examples of the many ways in which Parliaments and their members around the world have responded to the challenges of child protection through laws, policies, advocacy and other means. It also describes how Parliaments and their members can gain a clearer understanding of what their contribution can be, and equips them with the knowledge and tools they require to make that contribution." (Foreword)