CHILD RIGHTS IN EUROPE

As laid down in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a child is any human being below the age of 18. Children make up one third of the world's population and one fifth of the population of the EU.
Children's rights form part of the human rights that the EU and EU countries must respect.
The Treaty of Lisbon introduced an objective for the EU to promote children's rights. Moreover the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU guarantees the protection of children's rights by EU institutions, as well as by EU countries when they implement EU law.
Within this framework the Commission helps to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of the child in all internal and external EU actions and policies with an impact on them.
The Commission is also guided by the principles set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by all EU countries.

Vulnerable citizens

Despite European, national and international efforts to protect and promote the rights of the child, the situation of children in Europe and around the worldis far from satisfactory.

For example, 19% of children in the EU are at risk of poverty.

Children involved in justice systems along with other children in vulnerable situations, such as those living in institutions for people with disabilities, can face numerous restrictions or violations to their rights.

Each day, children are trafficked or fall victim to sexual abuse. Those coming to the EU from third countries can face many threats to their well-being.

Rights of the child: the Commission in action

DG Justice has a coordination role on the rights of the child among the Commission's services.
Through the children's rights coordinator and an inter-service group, it cooperates with other services of the Commission to make sure that the rights of the child take a prominent role in all relevant policies and actions.

Below you will find information about the actions of other Commission services to protect and promote the rights of the child.