The fundamental rights of children and adolescents and international child protection instruments: in search of their complementarity

Gabriela Cruz Amato Teixeira

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the role of human rights (international law) in consolidating the fundamental rights of children and adolescents in the Brazilian legal system. To this end, the main international child protection documents will be analyzed, demonstrating the construction and evolution of these rights. Furthermore, it will be noted that the principle that governs the entire child legal protection system, that is, the principle of the best interests of the child, was constructed at an international level, and was later incorporated into the Brazilian legal system. Finally, the absolute importance and extreme contribution of international law to the affirmation of the fundamental rights of children and adolescents is supported.