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It was Ronald Dworkin who, nearly 30 years ago, urged us to 'take rights seriously' (1977). It is a pity that his argument did not specifically extend to children. The language of rights can make visible what has for too long been suppressed. It can lead to different and new stories being heard in public. The Williamson case draws attention to the importance of children's rights. Rights are also an important advocacy tool, a weapon which can be employed in the battle to secure recognition. Rights offer legitimacy to pressure groups, lobbies, campaigns, to both direct and indirect action, in particular to those who are disadvantaged or excluded. The promotion of children's rights may undermine the interests of others. This is common criticism: for example, it is at the forefront of Guggenheim's recent critique (2005). Keywords: Guggenheim; take children's rights seriously; Williamson case
Michael Freeman (Mon,) studied this question.