First comprehensive EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child

poslední aktualizace úterý, 30/03/2021

The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child has been published with a Council Recommendation for a European Child Guarantee to protect and promote the rights of children.

The European Commission has adopted the first comprehensive EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, as well as a proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee. This new comprehensive EU policy framework aims to ensure the protection of the rights of all children, and secure access to basic services for vulnerable children.

The Strategy covers six thematic areas:

1. Children as agents of change in democratic life whose voices are heard to shape society.

2. Right to good living, education and health so children can fulfil their potential regardless their socio-economic background.

3. The right of children to be free from violence.

4. A child-friendly justice, as victims, witnesses, suspects, accused of having committed a crime, or party to any legal proceeding.

5. The right of children to safely navigate the digital environment and harness its opportunities.

6. Global dimension protecting the rights of children worldwide, including during crisis and conflicts.

Closely linked to the second thematic area, the European Child Guarantee aims to break the cycle of disadvantage and exclusion that can determine at an early age, children’s ability to succeed later.

Both initiatives have been dwelling on the report “Our Europe, Our Rights, Our Future” which gathered voices of more than 10,000 children and young people, from within and outside the European Union (EU), who expressed their views and priorities.

This becomes a milestone in incorporating children and youth voices in policy-making and marks the way forward towards further protection of the rights of children.