Impact of National Cultural Dimensions on Child Rights Policy Management: A Cross-Country Study

Efforts to improve children's welfare are guided by international frameworks like the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, the implementation of these rights varies significantly across countries due to the influence of cultural factors. This study explored the relationship between national cultural dimensions and the Child Rights Index (KRI) through a cross-country comparative analysis. Using Hofstede's cultural dimensions as an explanatory framework, data from 78 countries spanning 2015-2022 were analyzed. The KRI evaluates countries' performance in upholding children's rights across five domains: the right to life, health, education, protection, and an environment that promotes children's rights. A multiple regression model was employed to assess the impact of cultural dimensions on KRI scores. The findings revealed that cultural dimensions such as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation significantly influence KRI scores. These results underscore the importance of integrating cultural factors into child rights policies to develop effective strategies for promoting and protecting children's well-being globally.