Special edition- the online public consultation for the EU Strategy on the rights of the child is opened (01/09/2020)

Dear Readers, We are back in full speed. Today, we have launched the online public consultation on the EU Strategy on the rights on the child. The deadline for replying to the questionnaire and submitting your feedback is 8 December. Please have a look, spread the word, fill in the questionnaire. We count very much on your knowledge, expertise and experience. Thank you. Valeria Setti, the Commission Coordinator for the rights of the child

Newsletter on rights of the child No 4/2020 (03/07/2020)

Dear Readers, This will be our last newsletter before the summer break. The coronavirus is still out there and the impact it has had is even more obvious. In this edition of the newsletter, we share with you some data and information on that. We also inform you about positive developments in the are of the rights of the child. The Commission adopted the EU strategy on victim’s rights and is getting ready for the EU strategy on fighting child sexual abuse and the EU strategy on the rights of the child. Wishing you a safe, calm and sunny summer, Rights of the child team.

Other newsletters worth subscribing to (02/07/2020)

We would also like to raise your attention to other newsletters issued by various organisations on rights of the child issues.

Roadmap published - Delivering for children: an EU strategy on the rights of the child (17/06/2020)

The roadmap for the EU strategy on the rights of the child is online. This is the first consultation document on the strategy opened for public comments. Feedback will be taken into account in further works on the strategy. The second stage of the public consultation - the questionnaire will be open later during summer. Please stay tuned and check your inbox for our next newsletter and the webpage https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say Please contribute and disseminate. Thank you.

EU strategy to fight child sexual abuse (05/06/2020)

There has been a dramatic increase in detected cases of child sexual abuse in recent years, and it is imperative that efforts are stepped up to tackle these crimes. The fight against child sexual abuse and exploitation is a firm priority for the EU. On 5 June, the European Commission published a roadmap on the EU Strategy to fight sexual abuse. The responses received will be taken into account for further development and fine tuning of the initiative. The European Commission is therefore preparing an EU strategy to tackle this issue which will focus on preventing the abuse from happening in the first place, law enforcement and assisting victims.

EU Strategy on victims' rights (2020-2025) (02/07/2020)

The European Commission presented on 24 June 2020 its first-ever EU Strategy on victims’ rights (2020-2025). The main objective of this strategy is to ensure that all victims of all crime, no matter where in the EU or in what circumstances the crime took place, can fully rely on their rights. To that end, it outlines actions that will be conducted by the European Commission, Member States and civil society.

Vice-President Šuica and Commissioner Reynders: Children must not be forgotten during the coronavirus outbreak (01/06/2020)

The op-ed published on the occasion of the International Children's Day, VP Šuica and Cssr Reynders highlighted the effects that the coronavirus crisis has had on children. Published in more then 13 newspapers, it reminds that when drawing up recovery plans, we must ensure that children do not become silent victims of this crisis, bearing in mind their needs and rights, and giving their voices and concerns the space they deserve.

Comparative overview of national protection statuses in the European Union (EU) and Norway (27/05/2020)

The EMN study explores the key characteristics of non-harmonised protection statuses and the types of national statuses granted by Member States and Norway to address a protection need not covered by international protection statuses as set out in the Qualification Directive or temporary protection in the Temporary Protection Directive. The report includes an overview of national statuses granted by particular protection ground, reviewing the conditions and rights associated with each. It also considers commonalities and differences with the minimum standards established at EU level for the EU-harmonised statuses (refugee status, subsidiary protection and, in one case, temporary protection).

Awareness raising video about unaccompanied children applying for asylum (02/07/2020)

Report: Exploiting isolation: sexual predators increasingly targeting children during COVID-19 pandemic (19/06/2020)

Video calls with friends and family, social media interaction, online games, educational use: during the corona lockdown children’s lives promptly shifted even further from the real world into an online virtual one. Sex offenders have found in this development a tempting opportunity to access a broader group of potential victims. The report published by Europol shines a light on the increased sharing of child sexual exploitation images online and how to confront this serious threat to children’s safety. To confront this threat, law enforcement has also increased its efforts to tackle this severe crime, which sees a child being re-victimised every time an image is shared.

EFRIS database-updates (09/06/2020)

The European Union Fundamental Rights Information System EFRIS is a Human Rights Gateway, bringing together data and information from existing human rights databases, and enables viewing and analysis of relevant assessments of fundamental rights in the EU. The drop down menu, includes now the rights of the child and child labour.

Migration: Key fundamental rights concerns - Quarterly bulletin 2/2020 (27/05/2020)

Statement on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict: 20 Years After the Adoption of OPAC (25/05/2020)

Joint Statement by the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, the European Parliament Intergroup on Children’s Rights and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC). The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict entered into force on 12 February 2002 and is a commitment that States will not recruit or conscript children under 18 to take part in hostilities. 170 States have become parties to the Optional Protocol; 17 countries have not ratified or acceded to the Optional Protocol, while 10 have signed but not ratified it.

Campaign #EndFGMmyths : “The Purple Chair” Youtube video series (02/07/2020)

Within an Erasmus+ project awarded last year, END FGM Youth Ambassadors are developing their very own Youtube video series, developing the content, filming, editing and subtitling a series of videos to talk to other youth about topics such as GBV, bodily integrity, FGM, consent, engagement with youth, etc. The very first video was launched 2 weeks ago on the End FGM EU Youtube channel. and there will be one video launched every two weeks. Stay tuned for more and subscribe to the End FGM European Network Youtube Channel and check their Twitter account @ENDFGM_Network

Campaign #EndFGMmyths - Youth Engagement Manifesto (02/07/2020)

End FGM European Network recognises the critical role of engaging youth from FGM-affected communities in tackling FGM within Europe and indeed globally. In the movement to end FGM, young people struggle to be truly at the centre. They are often seen or heard but not really listened to. Youth are rarely provided the opportunity to shape programmes and activities concerning them, with tokenism being a sad reality and a hindrance for everyone concerned. In cooperation with the Members who are part of the Network’s Youth Engagement Working Group (APF - Portugal, AkiDwA - Ireland, Equipop - France, FORWARD - UK, TERRE DES FEMMES - Germany, National FGM Centre - UK), the Youth Ambassadors and Integrate UK, EndFGM developed 5 Principles for Effective and Meaningful Engagement of Youth:Communicate appropriately with young people; Build youth leadership; Safeguard youth; Listen to young people; Foster empowerment of young people.

Project on integration of Roma children - MISTO AVILEAN! (02/07/2020)

The project is implemented by Terre des hommes Foundation Romania in partnership with: Terre des hommes Foundation Hungary, Fundación Secretariado Gitano in Spain, and Afeji in France. Through this partnership, the MISTO AVILEAN! project aims to ensure non-discriminatory and non-disruptive education for Roma children engaged in migration.

Report: National Responses to Adjust Child Protection Systems (COVID 19) (02/07/2020)

Child Protection team in the UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) designed a brief online survey to take stock of what national authorities are doing to adjust national child protection systems and services in the wake of COVID 19. The survey was administered online to 23 UNICEF offices in the region. The report aims to synthesize the responses across the region; support national and international child protection agencies, organizations and authorities to identify promising practices, challenges, risks and opportunities; and promote exchange of experience and practices across the region and globally. The report contains: Highlights on the Essential Protection Services, and Social Work; Highlights of the Key Justice Responses for Children; Key Gaps and Concerns; Promising Practices and Opportunities and Examples to further consider and build on across the region.

Project: Gender ABC (02/07/2020)

Gender ABC is an EU funded project managed by the End FGM European Network in partnership with four other organisations: Terre Des Femmes (Germany), AIDOS (Italy), Médicos del Mundo (Spain) and APF (Portugal). The project aims at giving a comprehensive education around GBV on 12 different topics put together in 18 modules adapted to primary and to secondary schools. The modules are adaptable, flexible and child-friendly for different national and local contexts.

Guidelines: Learn about your rights in the digital environment (02/07/2020)

Launched on 1 June, a leaflet produced by children for children was made available online. It presents the key rights that children have in the digital environment and can claim from governments, schools, business and other stakeholders, and points to possible action that notably adults must take to ensure that children stay safe while using digital technology. The leaflet and its way of presenting these rights to children have been designed in collaboration with a group of children who were consulted in the publication process.

Campaign: 'Inclusive Cities for All: Social Rights in My City’ (02/07/2020)

The campaign shows commitment of cities to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights at local level. Mayors and deputy mayors are pledging with concrete measures and financial investments to implement actions that are making the EPSR reality at local level. Eurocities invited mayors and deputy mayors to pledge to act on the principles of European Pillar for Social Rights in line with a city's strategic objectives. If the city is already delivering inclusive social policies to achieve social rights, these efforts can be highlighted through a pledge to one of the principles of the Pillar. Is your city interested to join the initiative? Or is your city already one of the 27 signing cities but you wish to sign a new pledge on another principle? Your city is very welcome to join this campaign and become a ‘champion city’ on the EU Pillar of Social Rights.

Everyone can make a difference - World Refugee Day (20/06/2020)

No matter who you are or where you come from, pandemic or not; everyone of us can make a difference. Every action counts.

Report on ending violence against children: OUR research, OUR rights (16/06/2020)

OUR research, OUR rights - Ending violence against children through the lens of child researchers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil,Indonesia, Nicaragua, Romania and Sierra Leone. The child researchers explained that: "The aim of these child-led research projects was to understand children and young people’s perceptions about violence against children as described within the SDG (16.2) that seeks to end violence towards us. We wanted to understand how violence is happening in our schools and communities and its effects on children’s lives. This objective was selected by us, the child researchers, in a collective way, and we found a way to agree on which topic to focus. We wished to explore issues concerning violence against children and young people because these are important for us and we feel like sometimes our views or priorities are not always taken into account by adults’ research projects."

Eurochild Annual Report 2019 (15/06/2020)

Eurochild’s Annual Report of 2019 reflects on the key activities and achievements of the network, which spans 34 countries with its almost 200 members. The report, divided in two sections based on Eurochild’s strategic plan of 2019-2021, showcases the work and achievements aimed towards ‘The change Eurochild wants to see’ and ‘How Eurochild contributes to making that change happen’.

Campaign on educational violence by StopVEO and Publicis Conseil (01/06/2020)

Following the recent adoption of a new law for the abolition of ordinary educational violence (slapping, spanking, pinching, humiliation), the association StopVEO-Enfance and agency Publicis Conseil produced a film “The Words I Won’t Say” to raise awareness among parents. The new law states that parental authority is exercised without physical or psychological violence and prohibits all Ordinary Educational Violence.

Report on Early childhood education and child welfare in cities in Europe (28/05/2020)

This report presents the findings on how cities deliver early childhood education and care and tackle child poverty, in line with principle 11 of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It provides: an overview of city competences; trends and current social challenges at local level; good practices from city measures; obstacles that prevent cities from doing more or implementing better policies; and policy recommendations for cities, member states and the EU.

Report: Figures and trends 2019 from hotlines for missing children and cross-border family mediators (25/05/2020)

In 2019, the 116 000 European hotlines for missing children answered 55,284 calls covering 7582 cases. The majority of new cases concerned runaways with 55%, just under a fourth (23%) were parental abductions, and a small portion of cases reported, over 3%, concerned children in migration. MCE warns that the current COVID-19 crisis increases the risks for all three categories. Quarantine measures led to increased domestic violence which are the major risk factor for running away. Border closures caused new cases of international child abduction and have led to delays, in ongoing and new cases. Social distancing measures further limit migrant children’s access to care and support services, and risk separating them from ill parents or caregivers, making them more vulnerable to traffickers. The annual report by Missing Children Europe (MCE) encourages EU Institutions, Member States, foundations and individuals to support hotline services during these challenging times.

COVIDUnder19 - Global Children’s Consultation (28/05/2020)

In May 2020 the Centre for Children's Rights, Queens University Belfast in collaboration with a coalition of international NGOs and agencies, launched a global survey for 8-17 year old's to get their views and experiences of ‘Life under Coronavirus’. The aim of the survey is to find out how children feel, whether they are able to learn and play, see their parents, stay in touch with their friends, if they can access reliable information and support, and if they are healthy and safe in these challenging times. The survey is the first global survey of children’s views and experiences of COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions and is available in many languages (see below). It was developed with 270 children from 28 countries and an international advisory group of 18 children and young people and is currently available in 22 languages.

Global Call for Action to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on most vulnerable children in Europe and worldwide. (25/05/2020)

The socio-economic fallout of the pandemic will be felt hardest by the world’s most vulnerable children. Therefore, based on the extensive field-experience, long-lasting expertise and the latest analysis of the situation,SoS Children's Villages launched a global call to action to protect children without or at risk of losing parental care. This call presents a set of key recommendations to ensure that their rights and needs will be prioritised by governments at national, regional and international levels -as they adopt measures to mitigate the short and long-term impacts of the pandemic in Europe and across the world.

2019 Report - Child on the Internet (24/06/2020)

This new report talks about violations of children’s rights in the digital world, especially the right to the privacy in the context of social media. The report also discusses safety issues on popular messengers like WhatsApp and focuses on online games, where the inexperience of children often is being exploited. The report provides also a set of recommendations on how risks can be minimised.

Newsletter on rights of the child No 3/2020 (15/05/2020)

Welcome to the third 2020 edition of the newsletter on the rights of the child. The shadow of coronavirus is still hoovering across the world, while many countries take the first steps towards de-confinement. We know more about the virus and more about the consequences the confinement and other measures have on children and their rights. Read more about this below. In this edition we also want share with you information on some concrete initiatives from the Commission to help children and their parents or carers go through these difficult times. We have seen some good examples of heads of states addressing children in their statements and communication, and there are more and more suggestions coming on how to make the situation better for children and how to support parents. You will find some links to child-friendly materials below. We hope that you, your friends and families are in good health.

Have some fun (05/05/2020)

Selected EU actions on children and coronavirus. (13/05/2020)

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the European Commission adopted a number of measures to counterbalance the negative effects of the different, necessary measures adopted by the EU Members States. Assistance has been also provided to the third countries. We asked colleagues to let us know the situation of children was addressed in these responses. Please check the the summary table (not exhaustive).

Deadline extended - call for proposals under the Internal Security Fund – Police on "Joint Action against Trafficking in Human Beings addressing the Culture of Impunity" (30/01/2020)

The deadline for this call was extended until 27 August 2020. Priorities of this call are: - Prevention initiatives targeted specifically at countering the impunity for all actors involved in the trafficking chain: traffickers, exploiters, profit makers, users and abusers. - Disrupting the financial business model of trafficking, following the money and untangling the trafficking chain. Proposals are requested to focus, among others, on trainings on trafficking in human beings targeted specifically for officials responsible for investigating and prosecuting the offences, taking into account victims with a focus on women and children, including the Roma community. Proposals are expected to integrate a gender and child specific perspective in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a project, as appropriate.

Safety Gate: Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products (13/05/2020)

The Safety gate website gives information about dangerous products found on the EU markets. Informaton is provided by the national authorities via the rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products - "Safety Gate". They include information about the type of products found, the risks posed and the measures taken at national level to prevent or restrict their marketing. It is possible to subscribe and personilise weekly reports.

Report: Understanding the housing conditions experienced by children in the EU (13/05/2020)

The provision of quality and affordable housing is an important mechanism for tackling child poverty, promoting the social inclusion of children and minimising the risk of homelessness among children in the EU. This memo outlines the housing conditions experienced by children across the EU and shows examples of actions taken by EU countries and at European level to improve the situation.

Guest contribution by Commissioner Dalli: Special measures for the protection of women and children are needed throughout the EU (11/05/2020)

In a guest contribution in Frankfurter Rundschau, Commissioner Dalli underlines the importance of the social distancing measures to defeat the pandemic. However, the instances of domestic violence have spiked throughout the EU since various EU Member States have announced a state of emergency. Children and women are especially vulnerable when they are confined at home where it is not a safe place for them, Ms Dalli stated. Some EU Member States have already undertaken measures to reinforce the support for victims of domestic violence. Special measures for the protection of women and children are needed throughout the EU, and coronavirus should not prevent them from getting this protection. In particular, prevention services and support services must be classified as critical services, Ms Dalli urges. [full text in German only]

HOW DO EU MEMBER STATES TREAT CASES OF MISSING UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN? (08/04/2020)

The European Migrtion Network (EMN) contacted a study about unaccompanied children going missing, with a special focus on available data and responses from the Member States.

Joint Communication and the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy for 2020-2024. (25/03/2020)

Building on the achievements of the previous Action Plans, the new Action Plan identifies the priorities and key actions for the next five years and commits to ensure that the EU plays a greater role in promoting and defending human rights and democracy throughout its external action. The Action Plan has five lines of action: Protecting and empowering individuals; Building resilient, inclusive and democratic societies; Promoting a global system for Human Rights and Democracy; Harnessing opportunities and addressing challenges posed by the use of new technologies; Delivering by working together.

Report “Relocation of unaccompanied children: applying good practices to future schemes" (11/05/2020)

The report highlights the challenges and good practices gathered in the implementation of different mandatory and voluntary relocation programmes since 2015. The report focuses on key steps of the relocation procedure from the moment a child is identified for relocation to the child’s integration in the Member State of destination. FRA conducted the interviews used for the report between November 2019 and March 2020 in 10 EU Member States: Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands and Portugal.

European Parliament Intergroup Statement on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Children (10/04/2020)

The European Parliament Intergroup on Children's rights issued a statement on the impact of COVID-19 on children. The Intergroup called on the European Commission and the EU Member States to take specific actions and put in place appropriate measures to ensure that children and young people are safe and their well-being and developement is not endangered by the coronavirus crisis.

Children in migration in 2019 (30/03/2020)

The ‘Children in migration in 2019’ report looks at the migration situation in 2019. It pulls together the main issues identified in FRA’s Quarterly Bulletins on migration in selected EU Member States.

Briefing: What children are saying to Childline about the coronavirus (11/05/2020)

The briefing provides an overview of the main concerns that children and young people have been talking to Childline counsellors about during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Between 21 January 2020 and 8 April 2020, Childline delivered 2,209 counselling sessions to children and young people who expressed concerns about coronavirus. Issues discussed included: mental health family relationships schoolwork bullying.

Children talking about Coronavirus (09/04/2020)

Listen to what children have to say about their situations and feelings under the coronavirus restrictions.

Report: Children's voices in times of Covid-19 (12/05/2020)

This research was conducted in March and April 2020 to explore children and young people’s reflections and perceptions on the COVID-19 outbreak. This research on young voices was organised in response to the young people’s continued child activism in the face of personal challenges. The consultation project included 101 children and young people (58 girls and 43 boys) between the ages of 8 and 17 from 13 countries: Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mali, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Sierra Leone and Syrian refugee children living in refugee camps near the Turkish-Syrian border. The project embraced an intergenerational collaboration between two adult researchers and 12 young leaders, ages 13 to 18, who engaged as peer researchers.

Children in migration- Meet Apollo and Tiny (13/05/2020)

A campaign set up by Missing children Europe and Amina aims at helping those who want to help children in migration by increasing solidarity and compassion for children coming to Europe and creating a more welcoming societies. There are tips on how to change the narrative on conversations, some data on children in migration going missing and links to cartoon films about the trip on Tiny and Apollo.

Statement on COVID-19 Protecting children (at risk of) going missing (28/04/2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic has a huge impact on individuals and societies, challenging us to adapt to new lifestyles, working conditions and social relationships. At the same time, the restrictive measures to limit the spread of the pandemic, have heightened the risks to which certain children are exposed. While fighting the virus that is shaking our society, we cannot neglect our responsibility and obligation to protect the most vulnerable among us.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Stateless Populations: Policy Recommendations and Good Practices (11/05/2020)

This paper outlines ways in which stateless persons and persons at risk of statelessness may be disproportionately impacted by the crisis and aims to provide governments and other stakeholders with recommendations and examples of good practices in these areas. Stateless persons and persons at risk of statelessness often lack legal residency status and may therefore be denied health services or need to pay excessive fees to gain access. Challenges faced by many stateless children and their families in accessing health services are documented by UNHCR in its I am Here: I Belong report. These challenges may also impact their access to testing and treatment for COVID-19. They are also likely to fear coming forward for testing or treatment lest they be subject to arrest or detention. When a vaccine becomes available, stateless persons and those at risk of statelessness may not be included in national immunization programs.

Policy brief: Covid-19 and immigration detention (27/04/2020)

The UN Network on Migration's Working Group on Alternatives to Immigration Detention, co-led by IDC, UNHCR and UNICEF, released practical guidance for States and stakeholders on responding to COVID-19 in the context of immigration detention and alternatives to detention. The document aims to provide practical guidance to States and other stakeholders in preventing and responding to COVID-19 in the context of immigration detention, highlighting instances of promising practices as useful models to draw from.

Child rights violations in the context of the quarantine to contain the COVID-19 outbreak (24/04/2020)

In its press release, DCI urges governments to take specific measures in order to protect the rights of the child and uphold the the commitments ensrhined in the UNCRC.

Policy Brief COVID-19 and Human Rights: We are all in this together (23/04/2020)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlights in teh brief how human rights must guide the COVID-19 response and recovery. In his words “The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency - but it is far more. It is an economic crisis. A social crisis. And a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis.” Among emerging human rights challenges, those rlating to the rights of the child are uderlined: * Widespread closure of schools has interrupted the education of more than 1 billion children. * Reduction of care and protection services for children, including abrupt closure of care institutions and health services serving children, has increased children’s vulnerability to violence, exploitation and abuse *Prisoners, detainees and those deprived of their liberty, both adults and children, are highly vulnerable to the rapid spread of the virus

UNSG brief: The effect of the COVID 19 on Children (15/04/2020)

The policy brief on Children and COVID 19 was issued by the UN Secretary General and calls to prioritise education, health, food and safety for children. The statement of support was initiated by the EU, GRULAC and the Group of Friends for Children and SDGs and joined by 171 Member States and Observers.

Report: COVID-19’s Devastating Impact on Children (09/04/2020)

According to a report released by Human Rights Watch, the COVID-19 crisis will have a long-term negative impact on children, though they are much less threatened by the virus than other age groups. Due to the virus, around 1.5 billion children globally cannot attend school and this situation increases the risk of domestic violence, child labour and sexual exploitation. Additionally, many children have been orphaned because of the pandemic.

European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) Bureau Statement “Children’s rights in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak” (01/04/2020)

The ENOC Bureau released a video message and a statement urging States’ governments, the European Commission and the Council of Europe to undertake all appropriate actions to ensure that the rights of all children, as guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the General Comments of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, are respected during the COVID-19 healthcare crisis, especially in the areas of: Information and Participation (Arts 12 and 13 UNCRC) Protection from violence and abuse (Arts 19 and 34 UNCRC) Rights to health and development, to benefit from social security, and an adequate standard of living (Arts 24, 26, and 27 UNCRC) Education (Arts 28 and 29 UNCRC)

Webinar series: Digital Citizenship Breakfast Bytes – 11th-20th May (11/05/2020)

The onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic has plunged all of us, families, children, workers, consumers, into the digital age with imposed and recommended lockdowns, meaning that digital tools are slowly but surely becoming the norm for schooling, working, socialising, gaming, staying connected with family members. This makes digital citizenship and critical thinking ever more urgent. From 11th-20th May, enjoy a cup of tea/coffee accompanied by a Breakfast Byte of digital citizenship. Each “byte” is a short 90-minute online session (from 9.30-11.00 Brussels time) aiming to increase the understanding of the digital world.

Webinar: Adverse childhood experiences (aces): advantages and disadvantages of the aces narrative & effectiveness of common responses (21/05/2020)

This webinar will address advantages and disadvantages of the ACEs narrative, identify open questions, and contextualise ACEs within the wider literature of child maltreatment and disadvantage. It will look at how a system-wide focus on ACEs could mitigate the impact on child development and which interventions could be used to help address ACEs. This webinar is for individuals or organisations who would like to know more about Adverse Childhood Experiences and other issues that negatively affect children as well as existing interventions for addressing them.

Campaign against child abuse: Behind the door (13/05/2020)

The aim of the campaing is to raise public awareness on how current COVID-19 restrictions affect vulnerable children at risk of abuse and call them to take actions if they suspect a child may be abused next door. Children who have been abused during times of COVID-19 virus suffer the most because they have to live quarantined with their abuser. The campaign video is currently shown on all national and local TV stations in Croatia. It was also adapted for radio stations and is being promoted there as well. The key visual can be adapted to multiple countries/cultures. For more information on that, please contact Ella Selak: Ella.Selak@poliklinika-djeca.hr

SURVEY: Studying the impact of COVID-19 on migrants and refugees (12/05/2020)

ApartTogether is a global study coordinated by Ghent University and a research consortium of academics linked to Universities to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants and refugees. The study aims to better understand how refugees and migrants experience the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and how they deal with any challenges that have arisen. Insights from the survey will be used to inform organisations and decision makers on how they can better support migrants and refugees during and after this pandemic. the survey is available in 31 languages.

Safeguarding children in football - UEFA child safeguarding toolkit (11/05/2020)

The child safeguarding toolkit is part of the joint efforts of Terre des Hommes and he Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to develop a Europe-wide child safeguarding programme. Such programme will help ensuring a safe and positive experience for all children and young people who play football.

Report:Building on Rainbows. Supporting Children’s Participation in Shaping Responses to COVID-19 (23/04/2020)

This rapid evidence report contains findings from a survey conducted (in one week, April 2020) with 95 professionals contacted through children’s participation and rights networks in 20 countries, including their reports of children’s perspectives. This evidence, from across Europe, illustrates: • Difficult conditions experienced by children in all countries, related to health, communication barriers, information shortages and digital reliance. Plus, additional challenges in many countries, related to accessing education, basic essentials, care and safety, mental health and wellbeing, involvement in decision making; and arising from exposure to violence, changes in family life, falling family and personal income and employment, inaccessible services and ongoing discrimination. • Additional exposure to these challenges faced by children and young people who are care experienced, young Roma, children with experience of vulnerable family situations, migration, poverty and disability and those vulnerable to CSE, trafficking and violence. • Response measures at national, local and organisational levels, introduced to try to address these challenges and mitigate risks, showing the value of and need for children’s participation, identifying experiences, concerns and solutions, including with children in vulnerable situations

Keeping Children Safe in Sports (07/04/2020)

Keeping Children Safe in Sports is a project co-funded under the REC programme, implemented by Terre des hommes (Tdh) in Romania and in Greece (Tdh Hellas) and supported by Tdh Hungary. Its goal is to promote child safeguarding policies in sports settings or summer camps in Romania and Greece, as a means to protect and safeguard children.

Report: Coronavirus: Impact on young people with mental health needs (25/03/2020)

The UK-based organisation YoungMinds carried out a survey at the end of March to enquire about the effects of the pandemic on young people with mental health problems. 2,111 young people between the ages of 13 and 25 participated in the survey, all of whom sought mental health support prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of all the respondents, 51% agreed that the coronavirus had somewhat of a negative impact on their mental health, and 32% stated that their mental health had become much worse due to the pandemic. Only 9% suggested that the condition of their mental health had remained the same.

Call for proposal on safer online environment for children and young people (14/05/2020)

The European Commission has just published a call for proposal for a new pilot project on the Funding & Tenders portal, which will support efforts towards safer online environment for children and young people. The main objective of the project is to demonstrate an interoperable technical infrastructure dedicated to the implementation of child protection mechanisms (such as age verification) and parental consent mechanisms based on relevant EU legislation such as the AVMSD and GDPR. Please find more details in the Call document. The call will remain open until 15 July 2020 please have a look and don’t hesitate to share this information with relevant parties.

Booklet: COVID-19 Global online safety advice for frontline workers supporting women. (14/05/2020)

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has developed Global online safety advice for frontline workers to support women experiencing tech-facilitated abuse during the #COVID19 pandemic. Topics include: Technology-facilitated abuse during COVID-19; Warning signs of technology-facilitated abuse; How to help; Online safety checklist; Keeping children safe; Planning for a safer future; and Self-care for those on the frontline.

17 May - International Child Helpline Day (17/05/2020)

The International Child Helpline Day (17 May) it’s a day to celebrate the achievements of child helpline members and raise awareness of child helplines in general. This year in particular, the Child Helpline International (CHI) wants to highlight the work that child helplines have been doing to support, protect and comfort children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child helplines have noticed huge surges in the number of calls, texts and messages of children calling for help. In addition, the child helplines have been disseminating public health advice on their social media channels, delivering emergency supplies to children in need and providing tips to parents on how to speak to their child about the pandemic. Follow the CHI website, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages for more information and posts, #ICHD2020.

Webinar: KEEPING CHILDREN CONNECTED TO A PARENT IN PRISON in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond (26/05/2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a spotlight on prisons: on the challenges in ensuring social distancing and protecting health and welfare, and on the consequent loss of contact for prisoners, their children and families while physical visits are suspended. Children and imprisoned parents need to stay connected and ways must be found for this to happen. This webinar will discuss how individuals, organisations and states across Europe are working to maintain contact between children and their parent in prison during the current pandemic.

Newsletter on rights of the child No 2/2020 (25/03/2020)

Dear Readers, we hope that you are all healthy and safe in this very challenging and uncertain moments. The second 2020 edition of the newsletter on the rights of the child will start with some information we gathered on how to make this current experience as stress free as possible for children. There is a lot of true and fake news out there and it may be difficult to navigate between them. That is why it is important to rely on verified and fact-based sources of information and keep the same principles when talking with children about the corona virus, isolation, quarantine and social distance. Stay safe.

Supporting children during the Corona Virus (25/03/2020)

Here we put together a selection of links to tools, videos and other resources that may help children children and their parents deal with the current coronavirus situation.

DEADLINE EXTENDED until 15.04.2020_DG JUST - Call for proposals to prevent and combat all forms of violence against children, young people and women - REC-RDAP-GBV-AG-2020 (15/01/2020)

The deadline for this call was extended until 15 April 2020. Priorities focus on victims of violence and peer violence.

DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL 13.05.2020_DG JUST - Call for proposals: Increase awareness-raising and knowledge on the rights of the child and child participation - REC-RCHI-PROF-AG-2020 (15/01/2020)

The deadline for application for this call was extended until 13 May 2020. Priorities focus on awareness-raising and knowledge on the rights of the child and on child participation.

Deadline extended until 15.04.2020_DG JUST- Call for proposals on closing gender gaps over the life-course-REC-RGEN-WWLB-AG-2020 (21/01/2020)

This call for proposal focuses on two priorities: •Tackling gender stereotypes in education and early childhood care •Tackling gender stereotypes in educational and career choices in a digitalised world

New Strategy for the Implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (19/03/2020)

Roadmap on New Strategy for the Implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights is opened for consultations until 16 April 2020 on Have your say website.

Gender Equality Strategy: Striving for a Union of equality (05/03/2020)

On 5 March 2020 the Commission presented its strategy for equality between women and men in Europe 2020-2025. It sets out key actions for the next five years and commits to ensure that the Commission will include an equality perspective in all EU policy areas. The Strategy outlines how the Commission will deliver on the promise.

Researcher or research institute needed for a project on children on the move (25/03/2020)

Terre des Hommes is looking for a researcher or a research institute for a research project - a systematic documentary review of the risk of and protection from sexual exploitation of children on the move in one corridor of mobility in Africa. The project is commissioned by Terre des Hommes and the Destination Unknown network.

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe calls for the rights of the child to be strengthened (25/03/2020)

In a Declaration adopted few days ago, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe observed that, in times of crisis, States and society at large are at risk of overlooking or compromising on children’s rights, particularly those of children in a situation of vulnerability.

Protecting the Child from Poverty: The Role of Rights in the Council of Europe (13/11/2019)

The report focuses on the role of children’s rights in addressing child poverty in the Council of Europe. The author, Aoife Nolan, member of the European Committee of Social Rights and Professor of International Human Rights Law, makes clear how the European Social Charter as interpreted by the European Committee of Social Rights can serve as a framework or roadmap for state efforts to combat child poverty.

Webinar on child statelessness (03/04/2020)

This webinar will explore how and why children in migration in Europe may be at risk of statelessness. It will look at who is affected and outline some of the current challenges and gaps in realising every child’s right to a nationality. It will also provide key recommendations for action at the national and regional level. Speakers: • Khadija Badri - Advocacy and Engagement Officer, European Network on Statelessness • Rabea Niggemeyer - Statelessness and Birth Registration Researcher, Germany

Conference- “Aftercare support for children leaving care: Learning lessons from across Europe” (25/03/2020)

The conference aims to exchange knowledge on lessons from across Europe on existing aftercare practices, identify gaps in national policy, legislation and service provision relating to psychosocial aftercare, and investigate how change can be driven at EU level. Registrations are now open and available here: https://eurochild.wufoo.com/forms/carepath-conference-april-2020/ *Eurochild is closely monitoring the situation in Belgium with the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus and currently assessing how it will impact our Conference. Consequently, we highly recommend that participants hold off on booking travel and accommodation arrangements until further notice. We will inform our members about precautionary measures and in case it needs to be cancelled. You can follow updates on the situation in Belgium on the official Belgian federal website: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en

Massively open online course (MOOC) on trauma-informed care (25/03/2020)

The CarePath massively open online course (MOOC) on trauma-informed care is now available! Registrations are open until 1 May 2020:https://mooc.carepath-project.eu/

Myth buster on EU Funds and Independent Living (25/03/2020)

This publication addresses some of the misconceptions around how ESI Funds can and should be used, with regard to investments that affect disabled people’s right to live independently and to be included in the community. This right is set out in Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and further explained in the General Comment 5, adopted in 2017.

Monitoring guardianship for unaccompanied foreign children implementing Art.11 of Law No 47/2017 (25/03/2020)

The project aims to provide adequate resources to build up a quantitative and qualitative knowledge base with a view to supporting and encouraging the development of the guardianship system and enhancing the experiences gained over time or thanks to the actions carried out as part of this project. The project is financed with the European resources of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2014-20, Ministry of the Interior.

Sweden officially incorporated UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into the Swedish legal system. (01/01/2020)

On 1st of January 2020 the UNCRC was officially incorporated in the Swedish legislation (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Act (2018:1197)). Incorporation of the CRC gives it the status of Swedish law, entailing a clearer obligation on courts and legal practitioners to consider the rights that follow from the CRC in deliberations and assessments that are part of decision-making processes in cases and matters concerning children.

Global report 2019 - Progress towards ending corporal punishment for children (25/03/2020)

Digital Citizenship Education Handbook by Council of Europe (25/02/2019)

The Digital citizenship education handbook is intended for teachers and parents, education decision makers and platform providers. It offers information, tools and good practice to support the development of competences to empower and protect children, enabling them to live together as equals in today’s culturally diverse democratic societies, both on- and offline.

Good practice-Toy for inclusion (25/03/2020)

TOY for Inclusion is the gateway to education and care for many children of disadvantaged communities. The project has created eight Play Hubs for young children (0-8), that are toy libraries and spaces for parents and children to play together. They also offer a range of services to families, e.g. workshops on parenting. The project was co-funded by the European Commission-DG Justice ‘Rights Equality and Citizenship programme’ and the Open Society Foundations.

Edy-Care Final Conference (19/02/2020)

On Wednesday 19th February, Eurocarers co-hosted the final conference of the Edy-Care Project. The final conference, which took place in Brussels, brought together a wide range of stakeholders in the education and caring sectors interested in better understanding the challenges faced by young carers in balancing their educational needs with their caring responsibilities and to learn about practical ways to support young carers in schools.

Promoting child-friendly approaches in the area of migration - Standards, guidance and current practices (08/01/2020)

The publication collates legal international standards, guidelines and a number of good practices that implement these standards. The compilation aims to support legal professionals, policy makers and professionals seeking to implement or advocate a child-rights-based approach to migration.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN IMMIGRATION LAW (01/01/2020)

This book reflects the growing concern for children and children’s rights in immigration in academia and practice and shows the diversity of issues related to immigration and children, including family reunification, detention, participation, human trafficking and the rights of siblings in the context of migration, as well as the significance of regional legal systems and infrastructures for the protection of children on the move.

Newsletter on rights of the child No 1/2020 - SPECIAL EDITION (04/02/2020)

Some people say that February is already too late to say Happy New Year, but we are not one of them. We would like to wish our dear readers all the best in 2020. May this year be good for all of us and may it bring best for children. In this special edition of the newsletter, we would like to remind you about the call for proposals under the Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC) programme that were opened for submission on 15 January with deadlines on 1 and 29 April and about our database on promising practices that is waiting for your input. We will also provide you some tips on child safeguarding and child protection policies in the context of our funding opportunities: we are presenting you ten short interviews with experts taken at the October conference on the rights of the child funding under the REC programme.

Video interviews with experts (04/02/2020)

Ten short interviews with experts were taken at the conference on the rights of the child funding under the Rights, Equality and Citizenship programme. They cover the following topics: meaningful child participation, child safeguarding and protection policies, impact of projects on children and projects’ partnership.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING and CHILD PROTECTION POLICY – tips and examples (04/02/2020)

Child protection policies are required from organisations that will work directly with children and apply for funds under Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC) programme (rights of the child and violence against children priorities). In the next paragraphs, we explain, what does child safeguarding and child protection policy (CPP) mean, why is it important to have it and apply it when working with children, when it is mandatory to submit them with the fund application and what happens if it is not. We also give some tips on how to develop the CPP and links to good CPPs for inspiration.

OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS- database on promising practices on the protection of children in migration (09/09/2019)

The European Commission launched a tool to collect and disseminate promising practices on the protection of children in migration. Click on more to read about the database.

Newsletter on rights of the child No 3 2019 - 20 December 2019 (19/12/2019)

Welcome to the third 2019 issue of the newsletter on the rights of the child. In this edition, we provide information about the funding opportunities for next year under REC and AMIF programmes and share with you some latest publications and information on the rights of the child. We strongly encourage you to have a look and contribute to the new tool - the database of promising practices on the protection of children in migration:https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/protecting-children-in-migration/cim/good-practices-search You may write to EC-CHILD-RIGHTS@ec.europa.eu with suggested content for us to consider including in a future newsletter (always providing the URL – we do not attach documents). With best greetings and best wishes for the end of the year, Rights of the child team, DG JUST

Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC) Programme and adoption of the Annual Work Programme for 2020 (05/11/2019)

The Commission Implementing Decision on the financing of the REC Programme and the adoption of the work programme for 2020 was published. The DG JUST 2020 REC call for proposals related to children are: • Capacity building on the rights of the child - page 17 • DAPHNE (prevent and combat all forms of violence against children, young people and women) – page 11 Details on the calls of proposal are included in items 1 and 2 of this newsletter.

REMINDER – AMIF funding - Call for proposal with a priority on the protection of children in migration focuses on alternative care systems and alternatives to detention. (30/07/2019)

Objectives of the 2019 call – the priority of the protection of children in migration: Projects focusing on the exchange of good practices and/or provision of the necessary training across the Member States so as to support the implementation/expansion/improvement of alternative/non-institutionalised care systems for the migrant children (such as family-based care, or foster care, or supervised independent housing arrangements, etc.) and/or of effective alternatives to the detention of children on grounds related to migration.

Continuously open call for expressions - list of experts to assist the Commission in the framework of the Justice and the REC Programme (2014-2020) (19/12/2019)

The list of experts includes the evaluation for the rights of the child and Daphne funding on violence against children: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=calls.calls_for_app. Select DG Justice and Consumers. In order to enrol as an expert, go to the section “Work as an expert” in this website: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/work-as-an-expert

Eurostat - Young Europeans – Youth Index (19/12/2019)

Eurostat designed a new tool for young people between 16 and 29. It is called "Young Europeans" and gives various information about young people in the EU MS in a non-standard way. This tool is intended for parents, decision-makers, politicians, teachers and others who want to know more about the young generation in Europe.

Safeguarding children in sport - study report (01/10/2019)

This small-scale study looked at the empirical evidence on violence against children in sport across the EU and analysed how safeguarding issues are dealt with at national and/or international levels through legal instruments and policy initiatives.

30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (20/11/2019)

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the European Parliament organised a high-level conference. It was opened by Her Majesty the Queen of the Belgians and David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament.

The global EU and UNICEF campaign hit more than 230 million news (20/11/2019)

The EU and UNICEF launched a global campaign on the social media platform Tik Tok to empower children and encourage them to speak up. The campaigned ended on the 20 November with more than 230 millions views.

10th anniversary of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (07/10/2019)

The Council conclusions reaffirm that the Union is based on common values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. The Council also reaffirms its commitment to the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights, which would further enhance the protection of fundamentals rights in Europe.

Report of the European Parliament Informal Carers Interest Group meeting – Topic: Young carers (19/12/2019)

The September meeting of the European Parliament Informal Carers Interest Group addressed the subject “Enabling young carers to pursue their goals in life: Converting research findings into policy actions”. The meeting aimed to raise awareness on the topic and to bridge the gap between research and policy.

EASO Report on asylum procedures for children (20/11/2019)

EASO launched a consultation in 2017 on Asylum procedures for children to gather the national practices and policies on asylum procedures for children and a verification exercise in 2018-2019. The purpose of this mapping was to identify gaps and areas of diverging practices in the EU MS, to highlight good practices adopted and provide key recommendations to strengthen the protection of children in the EU asylum procedures.

Child rights in the EU - Supporting you, Supporting them (04/11/2019)

This brochure presents the relevant FRA reports and tools that can support stakeholders in protecting and promoting the rights of all children in the EU.

Migration: Key fundamental rights concerns - Quarterly bulletin 4 (04/11/2019)

This report focuses on the fundamental rights situation of people arriving in Member States and EU candidate countries particularly affected by migration movements. It addresses fundamental rights concerns between 1 July and 30 September 2019, including the rights of the child.

Integration of young refugees in the EU: good practices and challenges (04/11/2019)

Over 2.5 million people applied for international protection in the 28 EU Member States in 2015 and 2016. Many of those who were granted some form of protection are young people. FRA interviewed some of them, as well as professionals working with them in 15 locations across six EU Member States: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Sweden. This report presents the result of FRA’s fieldwork research, focusing on young people between the ages of 16 and 24.

Council Conclusions on Combating the Sexual Abuse of Children and on Safeguarding children in Sport (08/10/2019)

Council Conclusion on safeguarding in sport: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-13351-2019-REV-1/en/pdf Council Conclusion on combating the sexual abuse of children: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-12862-2019-INIT/en/pdf

Returning unaccompanied children: fundamental rights considerations (02/09/2019)

FRA focus paper on returning unaccompanied children aims to assist national authorities involved in return-related tasks, including child-protection services, to ensure full rights compliance.

General comment No. 24 (2019) on children’s rights in the child justice system (18/09/2019)

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has published General Comment No.24 on children’s rights in the child justice system. It replaces General Comment No.10 (2007) on children’s rights in juvenile justice. There has been major changes in international and regional standards and developments since 2007, and these are reflected in the general comment i(e.g. new discoveries about child and adolescent development, and evidence of effective practices, including those relating to restorative justice). The GC 24 also talkes about the minimum age of criminal responsibility and the persistent use of deprivation of liberty against children and young people. The Committee’s general comment is intended to provide further explanation of specific rights outlined in United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and guide countries in implementing child justice systems that promote and protect children’s rights.

302010–Give me the Right to Smile (19/12/2019)

On 20 November the volunteers of YouSmile network held a public event at the Ministry of Education celebrating the 30th anniversary of UNCRC. Children designed a campaign entitled: “302010 –Give me the Right to Smile” and formulated a set of proposals for the protection of their rights which they presented among others to the Greek President and Prime Minister.

Policy brief “Enabling young carers to pursue their goals in life and reach their full potential – converting research findings into policy actions” (19/12/2019)

Young carers assume responsibilities that would be more fitting for an adult. How can policies and practices enable young carers to pursue their goals in life? The answer to this and other dilemmas is provided in a set of policy briefs – at European and country specific level– as part of the ME-WE project.

2019 Observatory report – Left Behind, The State of Universal Health Coverage in Europe (11/12/2019)

The 2019 Observatory report on the State of Universal Health Coverage in Europe contains details on living conditions for the most vulnerable and « invisible », their health status and their access to care.

First Europe-wide survey on #ToysandDiversity (20/11/2019)

In 2016 COFACE Families Europe published a European study on toy catalogues “Making or breaking stereotypes?”. Since then it runs an annual social media campaign on #ToysandDiversity to promote equal opportunities and to highlight gender, disability and racial stereotypes in toy production, marketing and shops. This campaign has raised awareness among toy producers, advertisers, retailers and consumers about the need for toy diversity as a reflection of the pluralism of society. Now COFACE Families Europe is interested in hearing stories of families and families’ friends in Europe when they buy toys and to explore what determines and influences their choices. The survey will be open until Christmas with results to be published in early 2020.

Publication - “It’s Time to Act” (20/11/2019)

This set of guidelines is designed to help encourage action, as well as being a useful resource for children, parents and professionals, to better support children with a parent in prison, advocate for and promote their rights.

Sounds of Children’s Rights - International Composition Contest (15/11/2019)

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Federal Chancellery, together with the University of Music and Performing Arts (mdw), Vienna, and UNICEF Austria invited young composers between the ages of 10 – 14 and 15 – 18 from all over the world to address the topic of children’s rights in a musical form in the international composition competition “Sounds of Children’s Rights”. The winning compositions that were chosen by two juries were performed for the first time on 15 November 2019 at 6.00 pm in the Berio Hall of the Wiener Konzerthaus.

The United Nations Global Study - Children Deprived of Liberty (08/10/2019)

Manfred Nowak, the UN independent expert, presented the UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty to the UN General Assembly in New York on 8 October 2019. The study examined the situation of children detained in the administration of justice, in immigration detention, in orphanages and other institutions, living in prison with their caregivers, and detained in the context of armed conflict and national security. The Global Study’s estimate of at least 1.5 million children deprived of liberty is most likely a substantial undercount, due to uneven data collection and reporting.

Guidance to respect children’s rights in return policies and practices (02/09/2019)

Guidance to respect children’s rights in return policies and practices (Focus on the EU legal framework) and Flowchart - Steps for the procedure and implementation when return is a durable solution in the best interests of the child. Both provide guidance for state authorities on the design and implementation of return procedures that are child rights compliant. In particular, they set out concrete measures necessary to ensure respect for the rights of every child, including children in families, when implementing return legislation and policy in Europe.

The European Guardianship Network (EGN) (19/12/2019)

The setting up of the European Guardianship Network was announced during the 2016 Forum on the rights of the child and then included as one of the actions in the 2017 Communication on the protection of children in migration. The European Guardianship Network seeks to make an impact for separated and unaccompanied children by raising the quality of guardianship services throughout Member States. Established thanks to EU funding, and supported by the EU Commission, the Network wants to embrace the contributions of both State and NGO partners. For more information visit https://www.egnetwork.eu/ or contact the Project Manager, Terry Smith t.smith@nidos.nl

Options for governments on care arrangements and alternatives to detention for children and families - revised edition (19/12/2019)

A Goal Within Reach: Ending the Institutionalisation of Children to Ensure No One is Left Behind (25/11/2019)

In this publication, the relationship between child institutionalisation and global development is explored. With contributions from world-leading experts and policymakers, it makes the case that transforming systems of care and protecting vulnerable children is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring no one is left behind by the 2030 Agenda.

Publication-"Transforming Care Systems through EU External Action " (25/11/2019)

The research report Transforming Care Systems through EU External Action, outlines EU expenditure on transforming systems of care, highlighting positive examples, as well as instances where a stronger focus on the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care could have resulted in better outcomes for the target group. Furthermore, it explores the barriers that have been hindering progress towards greater care transformation globally, making recommendations for change.

G.A.IN project - Guardianship Advanced Instruments for child protection in Europe (26/09/2019)

During the event experts, guardians and stakeholders discussed the findings of the comparative research and recommendations for enhancing legal guardianship in the EU migration agenda and presented the report.

H.A. v Greece (application no. 19951/16) (28/02/2019)

The case concerned the placement of nine migrants, unaccompanied children, in different police stations in Greece, for periods ranging between 21 and 33 days. The migrants were subsequently transferred to the Diavata reception centre and then to special facilities for children.

Campaign ‘Every child has a voice’ (17/05/2019)

Child Helpline Day was celebrated on 17 May 2019. To mark it, Child Helpline International initiated a campaign on especially vulnerable groups of children: children on the move, children with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ children and youth.

Khan v. France (no. 12267/16). Violation of Article 3-degrading treatment (28/02/2019)

The case concerned the failure by the French authorities to provide an unaccompanied foreign child with care before and after the dismantling of the makeshift camps set up in the southern section of the “lande de Calais" (“Calais heath”). Large number of people hoping to seek asylum in the United Kingdom had for many years been living there in tents or huts, in overcrowded conditions without even the most basic sanitation.

Judgment in Case C-221/17 Tjebbes and Others v Minister van Buitenlandse Zaken (12/03/2019)

Articles 7 and 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Loss of the nationality of a Member State and of citizenship of the Union by operation of law — Consequences — Proportionality – respect for family life and rights of the child.

Judgment in C-129/18 SM v Entry Clearance Officer, UK Visa Section (26/03/2019)

A child in the guardianship of a citizen of the EU under the Algerian kafala system cannot be regarded as a ‘direct descendant’ of that citizen. However, that citizen’s Member State of residence must facilitate, following an assessment, that child’s entry to and residence in its territory.

Council recommendation on High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems (22/05/2019)

The Education Ministers at the Council meeting in Brussels on 22 May 2019 adopted a recommendation on “High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems”. Early childhood education and care lays the foundation for further learning and is an effective investment in education and training.

5th edition of the 'Statement of Good Practice' (23/05/2019)

The Statement of Good Practice aims to provide a clear overview of the principles, policies and practices required to implement measures that will ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of separated children in Europe. The revised Statement of Good Practice is endorsed by UNHCR, UNICEF, Save the Children, ECRE, and ECPAT International. Since 2013, SCEP is coordinated by Defence for Children the Netherlands.

Project: Alternative Family Care (ALFACA) II (01/06/2019)

The Alternative Family Care (ALFACA) II project was implemented between February 2018 and July 2019. Its main focus was at improving reception and care for unaccompanied children, by structurally increasing the quality and quantity of the family based care that can be offered to them. The project partners were based in the following countries: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Italy. They were supported by the knowledge and experience available at Nidos, the Dutch guardianship institution for unaccompanied children and leading the project.

Report: What works for working children: Being effective when tackling child labour (01/06/2019)

The report describes five different types of intervention to combat child labour, based on the experience of Terre des Hommes and its partners. It highlights the benefits of involving children in these interventions - both to find out what changes’ children say are most needed in their lives, and to involve them directly in the action taken. The report concludes with a round-up of Terre des Hommes’ findings, detailing ten methods that ‘work for working children’.

Annual report on the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights - 2018 (05/06/2019)

The European Commission published its annual report on how the EU institutions and Member States applied the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in 2018. In 2019 we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Charter’s entry into force.

Safeguards for children in criminal proceedings apply across the EU (11/06/2019)

The EU directive 2016/800, on special safeguards for children involved in criminal proceedings, as suspected or accused persons, started to apply. It is the last in a set of six EU directives guaranteeing procedural rights for people across the EU.

Handbook: Children deprived of parental care found in an EU Member State other than their own. A guide to enhance child protection focusing on victims of trafficking (14/06/2019)

A new guide developed by FRA focuses on children deprived of parental care in EU Member States other than their own. It talks about all children who need protection, particularly child victims of trafficking. FRA developed the guide in close cooperation with the European Commission Office of the EU Anti-trafficking Coordinator.

Haddad v. Spain (application no. 16572/17) (18/06/2019)

The European Court of Human Rights held, unanimously, that there had been a violation of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights and that the Spanish authorities breached the applicant’s right to respect for his family life by not allowing him to regain contact with his youngest child.

Adoption of new rules to better protect children caught in cross-border parental disputes - Brussels IIa Regulation (recast) (25/06/2019)

The Council adopted new rules (Brussels IIa Regulation - recast) that improve and clarify EU judicial cooperation in cross-border matrimonial matters, such as divorce, child custody and access rights, or child abduction.

Report: "A Second Revolution: 30 years of child rights, and the unfinished agenda (26/06/2019)

The report was produced by the new Joining Forces Alliance (Terre des Hommes, Save the children, SOS Children's Villages, World Vision, Plan International and Child Fund Alliance). The report gives a picture of children's rights across the globe, highlights key factors that contribute to the gaps in progress and calls on world leaders to fulfill the broken promises of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child also through the implementation of SDGs Commitments.

Report: Migration and Health: Social Determinants and Migrants' Health (26/06/2019)

This report comes as part of a reports series of the EVAM project: Ending Violence Against Migrants. It provide an overview of the health status and some determinants of migrants' health based on the testimonies of the migrant populations met by Doctors of the World teams and / or its partners in four strategic locations along current migratory routes: Agadez in Niger, Tunis in Tunisia, Oujda and Rabat in Morocco.

3rd YouSmile awards: Children can make a better world! Let’s trust them! #YouSmileAwards (27/06/2019)

The aim of the awards is to highlight actions and initiatives of children and the youth that have a positive impact on their social surroundings and inspire other children and adults. Nine winners were selected among 9.578 nominations from 145 schools nationwide.

Project: Proguard - online toolkit for guardians (01/07/2019)

This practical toolkit has been developed as part of the EC co-funded ProGuard project to support you in your daily work as a guardian. It consists of information, tools and best practices related to guardianship for unaccompanied children and aims at protecting and implementing children’s rights for this special group of children in Europe.

Quarterly bulletin (No 3) on Migration and key fundamental rights concerns (01/07/2019)

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights has been regularly collecting data on migration since September 2015. This report focuses on the fundamental rights situation of people arriving in Member States and EU candidate countries particularly affected by migration movements. It addresses fundamental rights concerns between 1 April and 30 June 2019.

Report: Fostering cooperation between local authorities and civil society actors in the integration and social inclusion of migrants and refugees (01/07/2019)

The publication explores how local authorities and civil society organizations can create effective integration models and cooperate in fostering more inclusive social services for migrants.

Video on the age assessment procedures - Why?When?How? (01/07/2019)

To support the practitioners in the development of reliable and rights-compliant age assessments, EASO produced a video underlining the importance of observing the best interests of the child while assessing the age. For more information please consult the EASO Practical Guide on age assessment available on EASO Website:https://www.easo.europa.eu/sites/default/files/easo-practical-guide-on-age-assesment-v3-2018.pdf

Campaign on Good treatment of boys, girls and adolescents with disabilities (15/07/2019)

The UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Disability and Accessibility, María Soledad Cisternas Réyes, has launched a campaign on Good treatment of boys, girls and adolescents with disabilities. The idea is to bring higher in the “Children” agenda the rights of children with disabilities as well as addressing children’s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Good practice- Care leaver internship (15/07/2019)

Department of Education in the UK offers a paid 12-month long internship for young people aged between 18 and 30 who are eligible for a leaving care support package when leaving care. There are several other requirements to fulfill. Check the Care leaver vlog to listen to what interns have to say: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrJCJDyH0CM&feature=youtu.be

A call for proposal for transnational actions on asylum, migration and integration (30/07/2019)

DG Migration and Home Affairs published a call for proposal for transnational actions on asylum, migration and integration. A priority on the protection of children in migration focuses on alternative care systems and alternatives to detention (continuation from 2018).

Project for the Protection of Migrant Children Along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor (01/08/2019)

Child Migrants Along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor (CORAL) – a Child Protection Programme in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Design and implementation by Terre des hommes- Lausanne, ENDA and the African Movement of Working Children and Youth CORAL’s core purpose is to strengthen child protection services for migrant children and children affected by migration, including increasing access to those services, reinforcing existing services, creating new ones, and stimulating synergies between the formal and the informal actors.

On-line training: Caring for Children Moving Alone: Protecting Unaccompanied and Separated Children. (02/09/2019)

This course is about the care and protection of unaccompanied and separated refugee and migrant children who are moving across and between countries. This course will provide an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities these children face. It will inform the improvement of policy, practice and delivery of support services that uphold children’s rights and meet their best interests. The course will provide examples of promising practice. It will stimulate the exchange of ideas and experience between learners around the world and is available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

Eurydice - Key Data on Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe – 2019 Edition (05/09/2019)

The new edition of Key Data on Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe is published. In 2019 Eurydice report dedicated to early childhood education and care (ECEC) you will find a wealth of data and comparative information on a topic that lays the foundation for all future learning and development.

Developments in child and family policy in EU member states (05/09/2019)

The European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC) presented a round-up of the latest developments in child and family policy in EU member states in May 2019. Each piece of news contains a link to the original source, which may be in a language other than English.

Database to collect and disseminate promising practice on the protection of children in migration (06/09/2019)

The European Commission launched the database of good practices on the protection of children in migration. Read more in the special issue of the newsletter published on 9 September: https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/newsletter-specific-archive-issue.cfm?newsletter_service_id=529

Newsletter on rights of the child No 2 2019 - 19 September 2019 (06/09/2019)

Welcome to the second 2019 issue of the newsletter on the rights of the child. In this edition, we provide information about the funding opportunity for the protection of children in migration, we present the 2018 Report on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and share links to recently published reports. We strongly encourage you to have a look and contribute to the new tool - the database of promising practices on the protection of children in migration, that was launched last week. You may write to EC-CHILD-RIGHTS@ec.europa.eu with suggested content for us to consider including in a future newsletter (always providing the URL – we do not attach documents). With best greetings, Rights of the child team, DG JUST

Call for Evidence on Children’s Institutions and Human Trafficking (06/09/2019)

The purpose of gathering evidence through this call is to understand the links between children's institutions and human trafficking in diverse contexts around the world. Lumos is collecting examples, information, knowledge and resources about trafficking into, out of or after leaving children's institutions as well as practice in tackling this serious problem.

Youth Advocacy Guide (06/09/2019)

Youth Advocacy Guide was created by African youth for young people. It is a tool for young people to access what is envisioned in the CRC, and seeks to support the efforts of young people to address concerns ranging from unemployment to child safety, the quality of education to climate emergencies. This initiative was led by UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office

First Europe-wide longitudinal child well-being study (06/09/2019)

A Horizon 2020-funded project that involves academic institutions from 13 European countries will develop the first pan-European cohort research study to monitor child well-being in Europe over a 25-year period.

Sh.D. and Others v. Greece, Austria, Croatia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia (application no. 14165/16) (06/09/2019)

The ECtHR ruled that Greece had subjected five unaccompanied children to inhuman and degrading treatment, and violated their right to liberty and security.

Newly released platform with information on the 3rd Optional Protocol to the UNCRC on a communications procedure (17/09/2019)

This platform developed by Child rights connect provides information on the OPIC (3rd Optional Protocol to the UNCRC on a communications procedure) both for children and for adults. It is also a platform gathering unique resources for anyone working on the OPIC (States, NHRIs, parliamentarians, academics, civil society including children).

Shaping a healthy environment fit for children (03/10/2019)

The Finnish Presidency of the EU, COFACE Families Europe and Vaestoliitto (the Family Federation of Finland) will host on 3 and 4 October in Helsinki a gathering of family professionals on the topic of shaping a healthy environment fit for children. This is an open conference.

Conference: “Protecting and promoting the rights of the child through EU-funding (REC Programme)” (24/10/2019)

On 24 October 2019, the European Commission’s rights of the child team will organise a Conference “Protecting and promoting the rights of the child through EU-funding (REC Programme)”. It will take place in Brussels.

If you want to continue receiving this newsletter (29/05/2019)

Welcome to the first 2019 edition of the Newsletter on the rights of the child – new year, new outfit. We hope you will enjoy reading it.

Call for proposals to prevent and combat all forms of violence against children, young people and women. REC-RDAP-GBV-AG-2019 (31/01/2019)

This call for proposals aims to promote the protection of children from all forms of violence as well as the rehabilitation of child victims considering that children exposed to trauma are entitled to receive child-sensitive support and treatment.

Call for proposals for action grants to support national and transnational projects to promote judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters. JUST-JCOO-AG-2019. (15/01/2019)

Call for proposals for action grants to support national and transnational projects to promote judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters.

Call for proposal on security research, including the fight against child sexual abuse (19/03/2019)

A call for project proposals on security research across 16 different topics is open. €233.36 million is available in total for projects on fighting crime and terrorism, securing external borders, as well as improving digital security and data protection, among others.

Continuously open call - list of experts (29/05/2019)

Continuously open call - list of experts to help the Commission in the framework of the Rights, Equality and Citizenship programme (includes rights of the child and Daphne funding on violence against children)

12th European Forum on the rights of the child (02/04/2019)

The 12th European Forum took place on 2 and 3 April 2019. Almost 300 participants, including a few children and young people, came to Brussels to discuss “where we are and where we want to go” on the rights of the child in the European Union.

Report from the conference - Child-friendly justice and integrated child protection systems. Lessons learned from EU-funded projects (29/05/2019)

The report summarises the main messages from the conference that took place on 25 and 26 June 2018 on Child-friendly justice and integrated child protection systems – lessons learned from EU-funded projects.

Mapping of research on Roma children in the EU (2014-2017) (28/05/2019)

This study commissioned by the European Commission maps existing research on Roma children in 13 EU Member States and 4 neighbouring countries (Albania, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Spain).

Education in emergencies fundings and #Raiseyourpencil campaign (01/05/2019)

DG ECHO has announced a funding target of €164 million, which means that 10% of the humanitarian aid budget will be spent on education in emergencies.

NESET Report “The role and place of ECEC in integrated working, benefiting vulnerable groups such as Roma” (29/05/2019)

This report examines the added value and the prerequisites for integrated working – as well as the crucial role played by ECEC services – to better serve all families, but especially vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families.

Access to quality education for children with special educational needs (21/01/2019)

This policy memo provides an overview of the policy and practice of EU countries in ensuring access to quality education for children with special educational needs. It sets out the policy framework and main approaches taken by Member States, identifies key challenges for policy-makers and practitioners, and highlights examples of practices from across the EU.

Joint research centre (European Commission) - ‘The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Learning, Teaching, and Education’ (01/10/2018)

This report describes the current state of the art in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact for learning, teaching, and education.

Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)- Migration bulletin (16/05/2019)

This second 2019 report focuses on the fundamental rights situation of people arriving in Member States and EU candidate countries particularly affected by large migration movements. It covers some child-related topics, such as child protection issues. The first 2019 Migration bulletin report was published in February 2019.

‘Practical guide on the best interests of the child in asylum procedures' (28/05/2019)

EASO has developed a new Practical Guide on the best interests of the child in asylum procedures, in accordance with its overall aim of supporting Member States in achieving common standards and high-quality processes within the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).

Integrating Students from Migrant Backgrounds into Schools in Europe (17/01/2019)

This Eurydice report investigates what top-level education authorities across Europe do to promote the integration of students from a migrant background into schools. It presents a comparative mapping of a wide range of national policies and measures aimed at placing newly arrived migrant students in schools and addressing the various issues related to them.

How to convey child-friendly information to children in migration (18/12/2018)

The Council of Europe published on December 2018 the Handbook: “How to convey child-friendly information to children in migration: a handbook for frontline professionals”.

Guidelines on Assessing and Determining the Best Interests of the Child (Best Interests Procedure (BIP) (29/05/2019)

UNHCR announced the provisional release of the UNHCR Guidelines on Assessing and Determining the Best Interests of the Child (Best Interests Procedure (BIP) Guidelines.

Building on promising practices to protect children in migration across the EU (29/05/2019)

This brief highlights five practices from within the EU, all of which illustrate promising responses to protecting children in migration.

Child protection agency in Ireland – Website on experiences by young people Changing Futures (29/05/2019)

A website for young people made by young people with experience of the child protection services in Ireland (Tusla). Young people thank to this project have a space where they can share their positives stories. They all come from different backgrounds but share the same experience of getting help from Tusla services.

Campaign ‘Every child has its voice’ (17/05/2019)

17 May 2019 was the Child Helpline Day. To mark it, Child Helpline International has initiated a campaign on especially vulnerable groups of children: children on the move, children with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ children and youth.

Association StopVEO, Enfance sans violences – Awareness-raising campaign on Educative violence ‘Les violences éducatives, c’est grave Docteur ?’ (29/05/2019)

On 15 April 2019 the French NGO released a campaign to prevent and raise awareness among the general public of the consequences of the educative violence, in particular for health professionals.

No Child 2020: A new website to discuss topics affecting children (29/05/2019)

No Child 2020 is an initiative by The Irish Times providing a sustained focus on child welfare and children’s issues. They explore the problems facing children in the Ireland today and offer solutions that would make this a better country in which to be a child.

International Composition Contest ‘Sounds of Children’s' Rights' (29/05/2019)

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Department for Families and Children’s Rights of the Austrian Chancellery, in cooperation with the University of Music and Performing Arts - MDW and UNICEF Austria is organizing the International Composition Contest ‘Sounds of Childrens' Rights’.

UPRIGHTS - Upholding legal rights for unaccompanied children (29/05/2019)

The EU co-funded project UPRIGHTS Project, UPHOLDING LEGAL RIGHTS FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN: Fostering Quality Legal Assistance in the Asylum Procedure was led by European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) in partnership with Forum réfugiés – Cosi.

INTESYS – Supporting vulnerable children through integrated early childhood services (29/05/2019)

This Erasmus+ “Forward-Looking project” was coordinated by the King Baudouin Foundation, with partners from Slovenia, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Project on capacity building for lawyers representing children in migration (29/05/2019)

This project is based on training modules that were developed as part of the EU-funded project FAIR (Fostering Access to Immigrant children’s Rights) project to help lawyers when representing migrant children and to increase their knowledge of the rights of the migrant children, to increase their understanding of the use of international redress mechanisms for violations of human rights of migrant children and give some advice on how to effectively communicate with child clients.

2019 Annual Work Programmes for Union actions of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund adopted (10/05/2019)

The Annual Work Programmes (AWP) for 2019 for Union actions of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) was adopted on 10 May 2019.

Newsletter on rights of the child No 5 2018 – 14 December 2018 (14/12/2018)