On October 16th 2025, DIPA hosted a book launch for Child Protection and the European Court of Human Rights: Lessons from Norway in the Development and Contestation of Children’s Rights. The book was edited by DIPA Researcher Hege Stein Helland, Professor Marit Skivenes and Professor Siri Gloppen. The book brings together leading scholars in political science, law, social work, and more to examine how the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) shapes—and is shaped by—child protection litigation and mobilisation.
First of its kind, this book puts the spotlight on Norway as it has had more child protection cases (Art. 8) decided by the ECtHR than any other country. Exploring the evolving role of the Court in balancing parental rights, state authority, and children’s best interests, it offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of international human rights law, children’s rights, and child protection policy.
The launch was held at the Babelstuen area of the University of Bergen’s Arts and Humanities Library and moderated by Post Doc Mathea Loen. The conversation lasted about 1 hour, followed by a session on answering audience questions about the book.
The physical book can be purchased through this link. Alternatively, an open-access digital version is available here.
