In 2000, with the adoption of the Millennium Declaration, nearly 200 nations pledged to promote respect for human rights and to endeavour to protect and promote the full spectrum of rights in their territories.

As then Secretary-General Kofi Annan notes in a foreword to UNICEF's State of the World's Children Report 2005, “Only as we move closer to realizing the rights of all children will countries move closer to their goals of development and peace.”

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – which include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and reducing child mortality – provide a solid foundation upon which countries can build an environment that stimulates social justice, equity, liberty, development and good governance. Among those committed to advancing the best interests of children in the context of the MDGs, legislative reforms have been of particular interest.

Legislative reform not only advances progress toward the MDGs, but it is also needed to support their achievement. Both the adoption and the effective implementation of laws and policies to protect children; promote their survival, education and development; eliminate inequalities and promote gender equality and the empowerment of women are critical to help meet the MDGs.

Indeed, there are clear signs in many parts of the world that governments are paying serious attention to the structural and legal barriers that threaten children's well-being. Laws and regulations are being reviewed and amended; constitutions are being changed.