The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children: Key Influences in Children’s Rights Promotion

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of ways the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) has influenced the development, structure, and functions of independent children’s rights organizations (ICRIs). Employing theoretical perspectives of New Institutionalism and World Society Approach and other concepts from institutional theories, this chapter explores explanations of isomorphic impacts of ENOC on ICRIs. This chapter examines how ENOC membership criteria have influenced ICRIs and their work, how ENOC’s influences on ICRIs may be tied to deterring decoupling from the symbolic promises nation states make when ratifying children’s rights instruments, and how agendas at ENOC annual meetings foster focused attention and work of ICRIs on specific substantive issues relevant to the promotion of children’s rights. That ENOC has served as a model organization of ICRIs suggests worldwide influences on the promotion of children’s rights.

Citation

Shura, R. and Gran, B. (2022), "The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children: Key Influences in Children’s Rights Promotion", Lux, A., Gran, B. and Bass, L.E. (Ed.) The Roles of Independent Children's Rights Institutions in Advancing Human Rights of Children (Sociological Studies of Children and Youth, Vol. 28), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 165-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1537-466120220000028011