Attori istituzionali indipendenti ed effettività della tutela dei diritti dell’infanzia

The paper analyzes the evolution of the regulatory system that led, first in international forums, and then in national ones, to the affirmation of children’s rights. The problematic perspective linked to limited economic resources is analyzed considering the principal decisions taken in the international forum. The analysis then focuses on the EU strategy as regards children's rights and on the impact that this has had on the national system. In particular, the existing operators at a regional level, the Children’s Ombudsman, are analyzed, with particular attention being paid to the powers that are currently conferred, developing a critical comparative discourse on the importance that the absence of powers has on ensuring effective protection. A similar analysis is carried out with reference to the National Children’s Ombudsman which had not been set up at the time of writing.