Utilising the international human rights framework to access the benefits of paediatric research in the covid era: A Wales case study

ABSTRACT

This article uses Wales as a case study to discuss the challenges to accessing the benefits of paediatric research before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the rapidly changing political and legislative landscape, it is critical that health professionals working for the benefit of children can utilise international human rights treaties and the most relevant General Comments that offer a bridge between legalistic provisions and practice. Additionally, it is vital for health professionals to interpret and understand domestic children’s rights legislation, including tools for implementation for realising children’s rights. This article shares learning from the Children’s Hospital for Wales, Children and Young Adult Research Unit’s endeavour to challenge the Welsh Government to pay due regard to the rights of the child in ensuring children can access the benefits of paediatric research;including research concerning children’s role in infection and transmission, during the pandemic. © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2021