EU strategy on the rights of the child

Summary:

Communication adopted on 24 March 2021 by the European Commission, setting out a renewed strategy aimed at the protection, promotion and fulfilment of the rights of the child.

Further information:

This strategy aims to bring together all new and existing EU legislative, policy and funding instruments within one comprehensive framework. The action plan proposes a series of targeted actions across six thematic areas, strengthened by the mainstreaming if children's rights across all relevant EU policies:

• Children as agents of change in democratic life;
• The right of children to realise their full potential no matter their social background;
• The right of children to be free from violence;
• The right of children to child-friendly justice;
• The right of children to safely navigate the digital environment and harness its opportunities;
• The rights of children across the globe.

This strategy builds on the 2006 Communication Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the 2011 Communication An EU Agenda for the Rights of the Child. It also relies on existing legal and policy framework. It contributes to achieving the aims of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Finally, the strategy draws upon the contributions from the European Parliament, Member States, child rights organisations, other stakeholders and individuals, collected during the preparatory phase, including through an open public consultation and the 2020 European Forum on the Rights of the Child.

The Communication was published on 24 March 2021 alongside a proposed Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee.

• Alternative Source 1

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 24/03/2021: Commission proposes action to uphold child rights and support children in need https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1226

European Commission: Questions and Answers: Comprehensive Strategy on the Rights of the Child and European Child Guarantee (24 March 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_1245

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