The Legal Atlas

The Legal Atlas for Street Children - Putting Street Children on the Map

Street children are one of the world's most invisible populations. They are overlooked by governments, law and policymakers and many others in society. The Legal Atlas puts information about laws affecting street children directly into the hands of street children and their advocates. By gaining access to legal information, street children and homeless youth are put on the map so that every child can be treated fairly and with respect.

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What is it?

Building on the legal research expertise of Baker McKenzie LLP and its corporate partners, the Legal Atlas for Street Children is a tool that uses the United Nations’ guidance, General Comment No.21 on the rights of children in street situations, to show where laws and policies can be created or changed to improve the situation of street children around the world.

Why did we develop the Legal Atlas?

There are many ways in which law and policy can discriminate against street children. Legal and policy-based discrimination increases the vulnerability of street children, who are then exposed to significant harm in their day-to-day lives.

Yet the legal landscape in various countries is complex and often difficult to navigate both for organisations working with street children as well as those advocating for their rights, including street children themselves. The Legal Atlas for Street Children is a visual, intuitive tool providing a comprehensive overview of laws affecting street children across the world.

Who is the Legal Atlas for?

The Legal Atlas will prove an invaluable tool for anyone interested in the legal status of street children around the world. In particular:

  • Street children and homeless youth who have internet access
  • Individuals and organisations working directly with street children
  • Organisations advocating for change in laws affecting street children
  • Law- and policy-makers looking to make a difference for street children in their countries
  • Researchers, academics and students
  • Journalists covering stories on the subject of street children

Go to the Legal Atlas