Welfare-state lawfare – In the best interest of the child

Rights of children are especially protected in international law as well as domestic legislation in many countries, obliging the state to act in the best interest of the child – including taking over custody in situations of parental neglect or maltreatment. These are highly sensitive and controversial cases involving great risks of erring either way, and where in particular cultural minorities often feel targeted. This roundtable discusses how ”lawfare in the best interest of the child”, and the treatment of these cases vary across countries, and what the implications are.

Chair and introduction: Marit Skivenes
Participants include Karl Harald Søvig, Line Sørsdal