New European Parliament resolution supports children’s rights

Thursday, 28th November 2019

Yesterday, the European Parliament announced the passing of a resolution on children’s rights on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Following a debate, the Parliament voted to pass a new resolution calling on Member States to improve access to children’s rights.

The resolution urges European governments to reaffirm their commitment to children’s rights. Drawing attention to the rights of child victims of trafficking, the resolution reiterates its call for Member States to fully implement the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive with a focus on preventative measures and ensuring accountability towards victims.

Importantly, it urges Member States to ensure all children in migration are treated as children first and foremost by authorities. This includes ensuring child protection rather than migration policy is the leading principle for Member States and the European Union regarding the treatment of children.

The resolution makes clear that the best interests of children should be a primary consideration in all decisions concerning them, making particular reference to the best interests of children in migration – something which is at the heart of our stable futures campaign. Meaningful child participation in legislation is also called for in the resolution.

Additionally, the Parliament urged European governments to improve the protection of unaccompanied children in the European Union and to address continued breaches of their fundamental rights.

Laura Durán, Senior Research and Policy Officer at ECPAT UK, said

‘We are delighted to see the European Parliament standing up for the rights of children in migration and stating their resolve to tackle crimes of violence against children.

'The resolution mirrors many of our priorities for children's rights in the UK and we call upon the next UK Government to implement these measures without delay.'

ENDS

Press contact

Sinead Geoghegan, Communications and Media Manager, ECPAT UK, [email protected], 0207 607 2136

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