Principles and promises in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

What are children's basic developmental needs, especially in early childhood? And how can these needs best be addressed to the benefit of all children, including children with specific needs? Which human rights norms provide us with guidance and tools to explore and improve the social and legal position of all young children, including children with disabilities, so as to guarantee to each of them the best possible start in life? These questions are dealt with in two parts. In part one, a general introduction to the theme of basic developmental needs of young children is presented. In part two, a broad and comprehensive approach is proposed towards meeting these needs, for which the acronym SMECC is introduced. SMECC refers to an integrated 'big five' of child rights based child and family laws and policies (viz., School child rights and parenthood education, a legal Minimum standard for competent parenthood, child rights and parenting Education for parents-to-be, Child- and family-friendly social and economic policies, and a high-quality Continuum of care for children and families). In both parts of this contribution, the principles and promises contained in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are highlighted, whereby special reference is made to the views of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.