Dutch strategies for combating child poverty: A child rights-based approach

Abstract

The understanding of how to address child poverty has changed over the years from a more material approach aimed at the family to a more child rights-based approach. In this chapter, such a child rights-based approach is broadly conceived: it considers children’s rights based on the four core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – the right to life, survival, and development; the right to participate; non-discrimination; and adherence to the best interests of the child – as well as empowerment and accountability. This child rights-based approach provides criteria to assess poverty-reduction policies. In this chapter, these criteria are applied to the Netherlands. The latest Dutch policy shows some awareness of the importance of a more holistic and integrated approach of the child’s development and the best interests of the child. This includes concrete steps to enhance child’s participation in the policy process and first steps towards accountability by introducing poverty reduction aims.